"I met Alfred Browning Parker at last year's Florida Main Street conference, and this just sickens me. His homes are such wonderful examples of how we need to build. I have a quote from him on my bulletin board: "Build strongly; Build as directly as possible with no complications; Use the materials at hand and keep those as few as you can; Let your building love its site and glorify its climate; Design for use: Make it beautiful."
-Pat Flynn
Wednesday, October 22, 2008
Demolition of Manus house begins; neighbors lament loss
Wednesday, October 15, 2008
By DAVID ROGERS
Daily News Staff Writer
Click-2-Listen
The last of four Alfred Browning Parker-designed houses in Palm Beach isn't going down without a fight.
With a backhoe operator scraping and pounding on the solid concrete structure, however, the Modern-style house at 144 Wells Road is being reduced to rubble.
The demolition began shortly after 11 a.m. Wednesday.
Before 1 p.m., when told a construction worker estimated the demolition would take 90 minutes, backhoe operator Vern Duncan laughed.
"I can't see the other end of the house yet," said Duncan, of Cushing Demolition in West Palm Beach.
The house was built to last.
"It's really heavy," Duncan said. "It's all poured (concrete) walls, probably 12 inches. It's just heavy, a lot of (steel) rebar. We'll get through it, but it'll slow us down."
Duncan said he couldn't say when the demolition would be finished.
Built for Adele Rogers (then Adele Manus) and the late Allen Manus, the house featured long, cast-concrete roof overhangs, high ceilings, expanses of floor-to-ceiling glass and built-in furnishings. Browning Parker, a devotee of Frank Lloyd Wright, is known for well-sited, organic designs.
Request causes uproar
When Peter and Ricki Cohen applied for a demolition permit for the 1960 structure this summer, to make way for a two-story British Colonial-style home, there was an outcry from local preservationists and admirers of Browning Parker, 92, a renowned architect and professor emeritus at University of Florida.
Members of the Architectural Review Commission, acknowledging the house's architectural significance, deferred the couple's request to tear down the house.
ARCOM's deferral, and a move by the Landmarks Preservation Commission to landmark the structure — even though a demolition permit had been issued — were called inappropriate by the Town Council.
Members of the council, however, expressed concern about the loss of the house and directed the landmarks board to review a group of potential landmarks identified by town preservation consultant Jane Day so more noteworthy homes aren't lost to the wrecking ball.
Neighbors watch
Helen Guest, who has lived in the house just west of the Manus house for 32 years, favors that action. Although she didn't like the blue roof on the Manus house, Guest appreciated its architecture.
"I think that the town was lax not to have been on top of it beforehand. I think it should have been landmarked a while ago," Guest said, as the banging of the backhoe and sound of crumbling concrete reverberated through the neighborhood. "I think anything in this town that has a history should be preserved," including the Royal Poinciana Playhouse.
John Eberhardt, whose home at 127 Dunbar Road abuts the south side of the property, rode over to watch the demolition on his bicycle.
"I think it's too bad," said Eberhardt, who has lived in the neighborhood for 40 years. "It was very much like a Frank Lloyd Wright house. I always loved to show it to guests from out of town and friends. I just thought it was so unusual. It's a showplace."
Guest said the Manus house demolition will likely take more than two days. She recently had to endure the noise caused by the demolition of the former Claude Dimick Reese Jr. home on Dunbar Road. Two weeks of material removal followed.
"Not a lot of fun," Guest said.
Staff Writer William Kelly contributed to this report.
Lee Hershfield
(enlarge photo)
Vern Duncan of Cushing Demolition steers the bucket and claw of his backhoe into the north side of the Manus House at 144 Wells Road during its demolition on Wednesday morning.
• View More Photos
RELATED LINKS
• Architect's effort to salvage parts fails
• More related articles
Photo courtesy of Manus family
(enlarge photo)
The pool area of the house.
By DAVID ROGERS
Daily News Staff Writer
Click-2-Listen
The last of four Alfred Browning Parker-designed houses in Palm Beach isn't going down without a fight.
With a backhoe operator scraping and pounding on the solid concrete structure, however, the Modern-style house at 144 Wells Road is being reduced to rubble.
The demolition began shortly after 11 a.m. Wednesday.
Before 1 p.m., when told a construction worker estimated the demolition would take 90 minutes, backhoe operator Vern Duncan laughed.
"I can't see the other end of the house yet," said Duncan, of Cushing Demolition in West Palm Beach.
The house was built to last.
"It's really heavy," Duncan said. "It's all poured (concrete) walls, probably 12 inches. It's just heavy, a lot of (steel) rebar. We'll get through it, but it'll slow us down."
Duncan said he couldn't say when the demolition would be finished.
Built for Adele Rogers (then Adele Manus) and the late Allen Manus, the house featured long, cast-concrete roof overhangs, high ceilings, expanses of floor-to-ceiling glass and built-in furnishings. Browning Parker, a devotee of Frank Lloyd Wright, is known for well-sited, organic designs.
Request causes uproar
When Peter and Ricki Cohen applied for a demolition permit for the 1960 structure this summer, to make way for a two-story British Colonial-style home, there was an outcry from local preservationists and admirers of Browning Parker, 92, a renowned architect and professor emeritus at University of Florida.
Members of the Architectural Review Commission, acknowledging the house's architectural significance, deferred the couple's request to tear down the house.
ARCOM's deferral, and a move by the Landmarks Preservation Commission to landmark the structure — even though a demolition permit had been issued — were called inappropriate by the Town Council.
Members of the council, however, expressed concern about the loss of the house and directed the landmarks board to review a group of potential landmarks identified by town preservation consultant Jane Day so more noteworthy homes aren't lost to the wrecking ball.
Neighbors watch
Helen Guest, who has lived in the house just west of the Manus house for 32 years, favors that action. Although she didn't like the blue roof on the Manus house, Guest appreciated its architecture.
"I think that the town was lax not to have been on top of it beforehand. I think it should have been landmarked a while ago," Guest said, as the banging of the backhoe and sound of crumbling concrete reverberated through the neighborhood. "I think anything in this town that has a history should be preserved," including the Royal Poinciana Playhouse.
John Eberhardt, whose home at 127 Dunbar Road abuts the south side of the property, rode over to watch the demolition on his bicycle.
"I think it's too bad," said Eberhardt, who has lived in the neighborhood for 40 years. "It was very much like a Frank Lloyd Wright house. I always loved to show it to guests from out of town and friends. I just thought it was so unusual. It's a showplace."
Guest said the Manus house demolition will likely take more than two days. She recently had to endure the noise caused by the demolition of the former Claude Dimick Reese Jr. home on Dunbar Road. Two weeks of material removal followed.
"Not a lot of fun," Guest said.
Staff Writer William Kelly contributed to this report.
Lee Hershfield
(enlarge photo)
Vern Duncan of Cushing Demolition steers the bucket and claw of his backhoe into the north side of the Manus House at 144 Wells Road during its demolition on Wednesday morning.
• View More Photos
RELATED LINKS
• Architect's effort to salvage parts fails
• More related articles
Photo courtesy of Manus family
(enlarge photo)
The pool area of the house.
Is the Royal Poinciana Playhouse next?
Alfred Browning Parker House
Watch the video at this linkVideo:
http://link.brightcove.com/services/link/bcpid1485820810/bctid1861218656
Write the Town Council at Council@TownofPalmBeach.Com
Watch the video at this linkVideo:
http://link.brightcove.com/services/link/bcpid1485820810/bctid1861218656
Write the Town Council at Council@TownofPalmBeach.Com
Monday, October 13, 2008
Palm Beach Theater Wins in Court
August 23, 2007
By Margaret Foster
From Preservation
The owner of the 1957 theater closed its doors in 2004, citingeconomic reasons. Credit: Palm Beach Theater Guild.
The place to be seen in Palm Beach, Fla., hasn't been seen in three years, but a group that wants to reopen the Royal Poinciana Playhouse is making headway.
Supporters of the glitzy theater—which include actor Christopher Plummer—won a victory this summer, when a judge ruled that the 1957 building must be maintained and operated as a theater.
Owner Sidney Spiegel, who wants to raze the Royal Poinciana Playhouse to make way for a hotel, has appealed Palm Beach County Judge David Crow's June 10 decision.
"We felt euphoric," says Patrick Henry Flynn, president of the Palm Beach Theater Guild, one of the plaintiffs, along with the town of Palm Beach. "We're delighted because it's helping our fundraising amazingly. That will increase our bargaining power."
Spiegel deeded the use of the theater to the town in 1979 as a performing arts venue in perpetuity, and that agreement is still valid, Judge Crow ruled.
The town's landmarks preservation commission designated the 878-seat theater a landmark in January.
In May, the guild got look inside the dark theater. The National Trust's Southern Office gave a grant to the Palm Beach Theater guild for a feasibility study, or business plan, of the theater. That study literally opened doors, Flynn says: The town council demanded that the group be allowed access to the building on May 22 for a full inspection.
"It needs work, but it's still within our budget," Flynn says. It will likely cost about $2 million to restore the Regency-style playhouse, he says. The guild's goal is to secure a long-term lease on the building, restore it, and reopen it as a theater.
"The town council has been very supportive, but as it moves into a another pitch battle, it's a new political situation," Flynn says. "We have to remind the community of their own values. There is nobody in Palm Beach that doesn't want the theater or doesn't want performing arts. If they are aware of it, Palm Beach will be very generous."
By Margaret Foster
From Preservation
The owner of the 1957 theater closed its doors in 2004, citingeconomic reasons. Credit: Palm Beach Theater Guild.
The place to be seen in Palm Beach, Fla., hasn't been seen in three years, but a group that wants to reopen the Royal Poinciana Playhouse is making headway.
Supporters of the glitzy theater—which include actor Christopher Plummer—won a victory this summer, when a judge ruled that the 1957 building must be maintained and operated as a theater.
Owner Sidney Spiegel, who wants to raze the Royal Poinciana Playhouse to make way for a hotel, has appealed Palm Beach County Judge David Crow's June 10 decision.
"We felt euphoric," says Patrick Henry Flynn, president of the Palm Beach Theater Guild, one of the plaintiffs, along with the town of Palm Beach. "We're delighted because it's helping our fundraising amazingly. That will increase our bargaining power."
Spiegel deeded the use of the theater to the town in 1979 as a performing arts venue in perpetuity, and that agreement is still valid, Judge Crow ruled.
The town's landmarks preservation commission designated the 878-seat theater a landmark in January.
In May, the guild got look inside the dark theater. The National Trust's Southern Office gave a grant to the Palm Beach Theater guild for a feasibility study, or business plan, of the theater. That study literally opened doors, Flynn says: The town council demanded that the group be allowed access to the building on May 22 for a full inspection.
"It needs work, but it's still within our budget," Flynn says. It will likely cost about $2 million to restore the Regency-style playhouse, he says. The guild's goal is to secure a long-term lease on the building, restore it, and reopen it as a theater.
"The town council has been very supportive, but as it moves into a another pitch battle, it's a new political situation," Flynn says. "We have to remind the community of their own values. There is nobody in Palm Beach that doesn't want the theater or doesn't want performing arts. If they are aware of it, Palm Beach will be very generous."
Thursday, October 9, 2008
Destruction of Tradition
To whom it may concern:
I cannot believe the time that has been wasted on this project----over and over we experts in theatre have told the concerned parties that the theatre is a desirable size now for the entities that will use it. We have told you the condition and shape of the theatre is far better than has been represented to the public by the owners and we have said it should be clearly landmarked as well as the slathouse----but no matter what we say the representatives of the property go around and around with a new plan, wasting time, money, citizens dispositions ,and the dedicated efforts of Pat Flynn and a group of people who care a great deal about this project.
Please, can we not have a meeting of the minds on the subject of the landmarking issue and show the citizens of Palm Beach and indeed any visitor that has ever visited this beautiful place, that we have the courage and grace to keep and invest in one of the cities most desirable assets and should be valued and appreciated and preserved.
Theatrically Yours,
Jan McArt
Producer and Director of Theatre Arts Program Development
Lynn University
I cannot believe the time that has been wasted on this project----over and over we experts in theatre have told the concerned parties that the theatre is a desirable size now for the entities that will use it. We have told you the condition and shape of the theatre is far better than has been represented to the public by the owners and we have said it should be clearly landmarked as well as the slathouse----but no matter what we say the representatives of the property go around and around with a new plan, wasting time, money, citizens dispositions ,and the dedicated efforts of Pat Flynn and a group of people who care a great deal about this project.
Please, can we not have a meeting of the minds on the subject of the landmarking issue and show the citizens of Palm Beach and indeed any visitor that has ever visited this beautiful place, that we have the courage and grace to keep and invest in one of the cities most desirable assets and should be valued and appreciated and preserved.
Theatrically Yours,
Jan McArt
Producer and Director of Theatre Arts Program Development
Lynn University
Royal Poinciana Plaza officials' redesign plan aims to 'energize' gateway
Wednesday, October 08, 2008
By WILLIAM KELLY and JAN SJOSTROM
Daily News Staff Writers
Click-2-Listen
The developers who control the Royal Poinciana Plaza are unveiling their long-awaited preliminary plan to revitalize the John Volk-designed retail center at Palm Beach's northern gateway.
The plaza they envision is greener than today's — with open vistas, parks and less visible parking.
What it doesn't have is the Royal Poinciana Playhouse.
Sterling Palm Beach, which took control of the plaza April 1, began Monday to present the preliminary plan to small "focus groups," including Town Council members, town board members and other community leaders.
The developers said the plan would revitalize the plaza while reflecting the desires of the community as communicated through a charrette held early this year.
It reflects the community's desire to reduce density and retain businesses that are "town-serving," developer Lee Munder said.
Sterling estimated that the non-income-producing aspects of the project would cost almost $100 million.
"It's a very expensive build, but we wanted to provide the town with a lot of what they asked for," Munder said.
The proposal calls for razing all but the Playhouse's east facade, which would remain to link two residential buildings facing a 1.1-acre waterfront park. A restaurant would occupy the ground floor of one building.
The plan developed by project architect Ann Beha and landscape architect Morgan Wheelock would move the plaza closer to Volk's original vision of strong geometric forms, light-colored exteriors, formal greenery and open vistas, Wheelock said.
"The theater facade is prominent and well-placed," Beha said. "All the rest of the components are workman-like boxes that are not designed in the Regency Style."
A smaller, 350-seat performing arts venue, estimated to cost $15 million to $20 million, would be erected where the Slat House now stands. It would face a pocket park and pool that would reflect the large banyan tree on the south side of the property.
The view-obstructing Gucci Courtyard would be replaced with a shaded lily pond and outdoor seating area, surrounded by eateries.
"We really wanted to energize the center of the property," said Wheelock, who also is chairman of the town's Architectural Review Commission.
The developers are seeking suggestions to help them tweak the plan in advance of its presentation to the Town Council Nov. 12. The plan will be on view to the public in early November, they said.
Sterling would recoup its investment by selling 30 homes scattered throughout four buildings, Munder said.
Zoning change needed
Residential use of the 12-acre plaza site would require a zoning change, in addition to zoning variances and site plan review.
Sterling faces a hearing at the Nov. 12 meeting to determine if some or all of the plaza will be landmarked as the Landmarks Preservation Commission has recommended.
Lee Munder said the development group hopes the council will landmark the two main Volk-designed buildings that form the backbone of the 1957 shopping center. But he said the other buildings shouldn't be landmarked.
"We've been blown away with the reception we've received," said Adam Munder, another of the developers.
"I was very impressed," Councilman Denis Coleman said. "They have obviously expended a large amount of effort, and the result so far reflects a sensitivity to the issues that are most important to the people I've heard from in the community."
But Coleman said he wasn't ready to comment on razing the Playhouse and building homes.
Earlier plans, by another group of developers, to tear down the Playhouse and build condos were withdrawn in 2005 because of public opposition.
Councilwoman Susan Markin said the developers have devised a proposal that would let them turn a profit while responding to the interests of the community.
Markin said she likes the concept of building a theater away from the waterfront while preserving the Playhouse's east facade. She favors the additional greenery and found the parking arrangements clever.
The crescent shape of the waterfront residential buildings would soften their impact on the lake, she said. But Markin said she would prefer to see the number of homes reduced to somewhere below 30.
"I'm glad they're keeping the Regency style, because it has some uniqueness and I like that," she said. "I think they've got the basics of a very good plan. They did as good of a job as any developer could do."
John Mashek, president of the board of directors of the Preservation Foundation of Palm Beach, said he regards the plan as a work in progress.
"The Preservation Foundation continues to feel the whole property should be landmarked and that we should let the landmarks commission work with the developer on the changes they want," he said. "That's the process."
'About saving the architecture'
But he said that doesn't mean the Playhouse should remain intact.
"We are not about the usage of historic buildings," he said. "We are about saving the architecture itself."
Patrick Flynn, president of the Palm Beach Theater Guild, which wants to operate the Playhouse, dismissed the plan to raze it as "the same old, same old."
He said the guild will continue to push to get the theater landmarked. He added that the Playhouse is protected by a 1979 property-use agreement between the plaza owners and town.
Landmarks Commissioner Bob Eigelberger said he views the plan as far from final. But he said there are parts about which he is enthused.
"Obviously, having 6.7 acres of green space, as opposed to [the current] 3.2 acres, on a 12-acre site is very exciting," he said. "They're adding more parking and it's underground. That's interesting."
He also liked the plan to extend the bicycle path and add outdoor dining.
"I'm excited that the main architectural features will be preserved. As far as what they're adding or reducing in terms of structures and the heights of the buildings — all that has to be negotiated."
__________________________________________
"Dear Mr. Flynn,
My name is James A. Crockett and I am the House Sound Designer and Senior Staff Member at the Cuillo Centre for the Arts on Clematis Street in West Palm Beach.
I was pleased to receive your article regarding the demolition of the Royal Poinciana Playhouse. It certainly disturbs me that such a fine institution is being considered for destruction.
Please continue to write me with any suggestion on how I may be of assistance to you in preserving this distinctive and cultural landmark.
Sincerely,
James A, Crockett
House Sound Designer"
By WILLIAM KELLY and JAN SJOSTROM
Daily News Staff Writers
Click-2-Listen
The developers who control the Royal Poinciana Plaza are unveiling their long-awaited preliminary plan to revitalize the John Volk-designed retail center at Palm Beach's northern gateway.
The plaza they envision is greener than today's — with open vistas, parks and less visible parking.
What it doesn't have is the Royal Poinciana Playhouse.
Sterling Palm Beach, which took control of the plaza April 1, began Monday to present the preliminary plan to small "focus groups," including Town Council members, town board members and other community leaders.
The developers said the plan would revitalize the plaza while reflecting the desires of the community as communicated through a charrette held early this year.
It reflects the community's desire to reduce density and retain businesses that are "town-serving," developer Lee Munder said.
Sterling estimated that the non-income-producing aspects of the project would cost almost $100 million.
"It's a very expensive build, but we wanted to provide the town with a lot of what they asked for," Munder said.
The proposal calls for razing all but the Playhouse's east facade, which would remain to link two residential buildings facing a 1.1-acre waterfront park. A restaurant would occupy the ground floor of one building.
The plan developed by project architect Ann Beha and landscape architect Morgan Wheelock would move the plaza closer to Volk's original vision of strong geometric forms, light-colored exteriors, formal greenery and open vistas, Wheelock said.
"The theater facade is prominent and well-placed," Beha said. "All the rest of the components are workman-like boxes that are not designed in the Regency Style."
A smaller, 350-seat performing arts venue, estimated to cost $15 million to $20 million, would be erected where the Slat House now stands. It would face a pocket park and pool that would reflect the large banyan tree on the south side of the property.
The view-obstructing Gucci Courtyard would be replaced with a shaded lily pond and outdoor seating area, surrounded by eateries.
"We really wanted to energize the center of the property," said Wheelock, who also is chairman of the town's Architectural Review Commission.
The developers are seeking suggestions to help them tweak the plan in advance of its presentation to the Town Council Nov. 12. The plan will be on view to the public in early November, they said.
Sterling would recoup its investment by selling 30 homes scattered throughout four buildings, Munder said.
Zoning change needed
Residential use of the 12-acre plaza site would require a zoning change, in addition to zoning variances and site plan review.
Sterling faces a hearing at the Nov. 12 meeting to determine if some or all of the plaza will be landmarked as the Landmarks Preservation Commission has recommended.
Lee Munder said the development group hopes the council will landmark the two main Volk-designed buildings that form the backbone of the 1957 shopping center. But he said the other buildings shouldn't be landmarked.
"We've been blown away with the reception we've received," said Adam Munder, another of the developers.
"I was very impressed," Councilman Denis Coleman said. "They have obviously expended a large amount of effort, and the result so far reflects a sensitivity to the issues that are most important to the people I've heard from in the community."
But Coleman said he wasn't ready to comment on razing the Playhouse and building homes.
Earlier plans, by another group of developers, to tear down the Playhouse and build condos were withdrawn in 2005 because of public opposition.
Councilwoman Susan Markin said the developers have devised a proposal that would let them turn a profit while responding to the interests of the community.
Markin said she likes the concept of building a theater away from the waterfront while preserving the Playhouse's east facade. She favors the additional greenery and found the parking arrangements clever.
The crescent shape of the waterfront residential buildings would soften their impact on the lake, she said. But Markin said she would prefer to see the number of homes reduced to somewhere below 30.
"I'm glad they're keeping the Regency style, because it has some uniqueness and I like that," she said. "I think they've got the basics of a very good plan. They did as good of a job as any developer could do."
John Mashek, president of the board of directors of the Preservation Foundation of Palm Beach, said he regards the plan as a work in progress.
"The Preservation Foundation continues to feel the whole property should be landmarked and that we should let the landmarks commission work with the developer on the changes they want," he said. "That's the process."
'About saving the architecture'
But he said that doesn't mean the Playhouse should remain intact.
"We are not about the usage of historic buildings," he said. "We are about saving the architecture itself."
Patrick Flynn, president of the Palm Beach Theater Guild, which wants to operate the Playhouse, dismissed the plan to raze it as "the same old, same old."
He said the guild will continue to push to get the theater landmarked. He added that the Playhouse is protected by a 1979 property-use agreement between the plaza owners and town.
Landmarks Commissioner Bob Eigelberger said he views the plan as far from final. But he said there are parts about which he is enthused.
"Obviously, having 6.7 acres of green space, as opposed to [the current] 3.2 acres, on a 12-acre site is very exciting," he said. "They're adding more parking and it's underground. That's interesting."
He also liked the plan to extend the bicycle path and add outdoor dining.
"I'm excited that the main architectural features will be preserved. As far as what they're adding or reducing in terms of structures and the heights of the buildings — all that has to be negotiated."
__________________________________________
"Dear Mr. Flynn,
My name is James A. Crockett and I am the House Sound Designer and Senior Staff Member at the Cuillo Centre for the Arts on Clematis Street in West Palm Beach.
I was pleased to receive your article regarding the demolition of the Royal Poinciana Playhouse. It certainly disturbs me that such a fine institution is being considered for destruction.
Please continue to write me with any suggestion on how I may be of assistance to you in preserving this distinctive and cultural landmark.
Sincerely,
James A, Crockett
House Sound Designer"
Wednesday, October 8, 2008
Developers Choose Destruction
In closed door sessions developers Brian Kosoy and Lee Munder are trying to drum up support for a plan “redevelopment” of the Royal Poinciana Playhouse.
“Closed Door Sessions”
Barring the fact that this important matter to Palm Beach should not be clubby and exclusive, but fully public in light of the consequences, we have received these sketchy reports.
“Residential”
Same as the Cohen/Speigel group, the developers are proposing 30 condominiums for the site. They would teardown the Marion Simms Wyeth Building and the Celebrity Room/Poinciana Club portion of the theater to build these units.
“Destruction of the Playhouse”
The façade of the Royal Poinciana Playhouse would be all that remains. Instead they would build a 350 seat “event room” for multi purpose arts use. This would be constructed on the site of the Slat House (where McCarty’s Restaurant and various offices are located.)
This multi use function ignores the fact that the Palm Beach Theater Guild has already contracted use of the Playhouse by Palm Beach Symphony, Palm Beach Opera, Ballet Florida, Palm Beach Principal Players, Palm Beach Atlantic University, and the PlayGround Theatre – pending our restoration of the existing Playhouse.
There is no committed performance plan or sense of serving the audience of greater Palm Beach. Kosoy and Munder are just going through the motions of trying to please as many constituencies as possible at least a little bit. It is time to landmark the property and let them deal with limits.
Dates to Remember
November 7th – 4 PM - Nick & Johnnie’s Restaurant – Royal Poinciana Way and County Road
“Should the Royal Poinciana Plaza and Playhouse be land-marked?”
A panel discussion including representatives of the National Trust for Historic Preservation, Preservation Foundation of Palm Beach, Palm Beach Theater Guild.
November 13th – Vote on Land-marking at Town Council
Please post your comments
“Closed Door Sessions”
Barring the fact that this important matter to Palm Beach should not be clubby and exclusive, but fully public in light of the consequences, we have received these sketchy reports.
“Residential”
Same as the Cohen/Speigel group, the developers are proposing 30 condominiums for the site. They would teardown the Marion Simms Wyeth Building and the Celebrity Room/Poinciana Club portion of the theater to build these units.
“Destruction of the Playhouse”
The façade of the Royal Poinciana Playhouse would be all that remains. Instead they would build a 350 seat “event room” for multi purpose arts use. This would be constructed on the site of the Slat House (where McCarty’s Restaurant and various offices are located.)
This multi use function ignores the fact that the Palm Beach Theater Guild has already contracted use of the Playhouse by Palm Beach Symphony, Palm Beach Opera, Ballet Florida, Palm Beach Principal Players, Palm Beach Atlantic University, and the PlayGround Theatre – pending our restoration of the existing Playhouse.
There is no committed performance plan or sense of serving the audience of greater Palm Beach. Kosoy and Munder are just going through the motions of trying to please as many constituencies as possible at least a little bit. It is time to landmark the property and let them deal with limits.
Dates to Remember
November 7th – 4 PM - Nick & Johnnie’s Restaurant – Royal Poinciana Way and County Road
“Should the Royal Poinciana Plaza and Playhouse be land-marked?”
A panel discussion including representatives of the National Trust for Historic Preservation, Preservation Foundation of Palm Beach, Palm Beach Theater Guild.
November 13th – Vote on Land-marking at Town Council
Please post your comments
Palm Beach voters are last hope against conflicts of interest
Saturday, October 04, 2008
By WILLIAM O. COOLEY
Special to the Daily News
Click-2-Listen
Most communities in America have a series of "backstops" or "fail-safes" in place to guarantee clean government and to protect its citizens from, and to root out, corruption and conflicts. In Palm Beach, this fail-safe system has broken down.
The first line of defense for the electorate to ensure corruption-free government should be the governing body: the Palm Beach Town Council. In our case, however, the majority of the Town Council is blind to this issue.
In a recent vote that would have ended the practice of board and commission members being hired by developers to represent the developer before the very board or commission upon which the member sat, only Susan Markin and David Rosow voted to end the practice. Gail Coniglio, Denis Coleman and Richard Kleid voted to allow those conflicts to continue.
Why, you might ask? It wasn't for the lofty reasons that were stated by these three. In fact, it was to continue to allow their cronies on these boards and commissions the ability to continue to make money taking these jobs from developers, while at the same time continuing to serve in these positions of public trust.
It is all about money and power, not about government service.
The first line of defense has failed.
Next, most communities have some sort of public or civic watchdog group that keeps an eye on government and alerts the voters when conflicts or corruption occurs. In the old days, that would have been the Palm Beach Civic Association. However, those days are past.
The Palm Beach Civic Association, which at one time would have sounded the alarm and demanded clean government, has been taken over by a handful of people who have turned it into a political organization. Gone are the days of civic responsibility; they have been replaced by an organization whose main function is to collect money and make sure they have at least three Town Council members they can control.
The Civic Association has a war-chest of $750,000 and keeps collecting more and more from the citizens of Palm Beach (who believe their money and time is going to some good cause) while doing little for the town. Its major goal is not civic, but political; to keep a majority it can control on the Town Council. What does it do for the town that does not have, or bring it, political payback? Think about it.
In a normal world, the Civic Association, or any real community-based civic watchdog group, would be screaming to the heavens about Palm Beach's ordinance that allows five conflicts of interest per year by board or commission members. However, since most, if not all, of the board of commission members with those conflicts are either directors or members of the Civic Association, they have decided to look the other way while this corruption continues. Their goal of keeping a majority on the Town Council overrides their civic obligation.
The second line of defense has failed.
In most communities, when government and civic groups have failed, or have been corrupted by politics, there is a third fail-safe: the local newspaper. The free press will come to the rescue and "shame" those guilty parties and correct the problem. Not in the case of Palm Beach.
The editorial staff of our "free press," the Palm Beach Daily News, instead of pointing out the problem that exists with the public's skepticism of the outcome of planning and zoning matters by boards or commissions upon which sit commissioners who have been "hired" by the very developers they are supposed to be governing, gives the Town Council a pat on the back for not ending the corruption. I won't go into reasons why, as they won't print them anyway.
Our third line of defense has failed.
What to do? There is a fourth line of defense, the final line of defense.
When all else fails, when the council doesn't act, when the civic associations are part of the problem, and when the newspaper gives them both a pat on the back for failing to clean up conflicts and corruption, we have one final option: the ballot box.
On Feb. 3, when our town elections are held, we can bring our own personal fail-safe system into play. We can vote against the candidates of corruption, the candidates who support allowing their cronies to take money for services from the very developers they are supposed to regulate. You can send a message to the town government, the Civic Association and the newspaper that says, "We want our town back, and we'll clean it up up."
-- Patrick Henry Flynn, President
Palm Beach Theater Guild, Inc.
POB 667, Palm Beach, FL 33480
T. 561 366-8980; F. 561 833-6865
http://www.pbtheaterguild.org/
By WILLIAM O. COOLEY
Special to the Daily News
Click-2-Listen
Most communities in America have a series of "backstops" or "fail-safes" in place to guarantee clean government and to protect its citizens from, and to root out, corruption and conflicts. In Palm Beach, this fail-safe system has broken down.
The first line of defense for the electorate to ensure corruption-free government should be the governing body: the Palm Beach Town Council. In our case, however, the majority of the Town Council is blind to this issue.
In a recent vote that would have ended the practice of board and commission members being hired by developers to represent the developer before the very board or commission upon which the member sat, only Susan Markin and David Rosow voted to end the practice. Gail Coniglio, Denis Coleman and Richard Kleid voted to allow those conflicts to continue.
Why, you might ask? It wasn't for the lofty reasons that were stated by these three. In fact, it was to continue to allow their cronies on these boards and commissions the ability to continue to make money taking these jobs from developers, while at the same time continuing to serve in these positions of public trust.
It is all about money and power, not about government service.
The first line of defense has failed.
Next, most communities have some sort of public or civic watchdog group that keeps an eye on government and alerts the voters when conflicts or corruption occurs. In the old days, that would have been the Palm Beach Civic Association. However, those days are past.
The Palm Beach Civic Association, which at one time would have sounded the alarm and demanded clean government, has been taken over by a handful of people who have turned it into a political organization. Gone are the days of civic responsibility; they have been replaced by an organization whose main function is to collect money and make sure they have at least three Town Council members they can control.
The Civic Association has a war-chest of $750,000 and keeps collecting more and more from the citizens of Palm Beach (who believe their money and time is going to some good cause) while doing little for the town. Its major goal is not civic, but political; to keep a majority it can control on the Town Council. What does it do for the town that does not have, or bring it, political payback? Think about it.
In a normal world, the Civic Association, or any real community-based civic watchdog group, would be screaming to the heavens about Palm Beach's ordinance that allows five conflicts of interest per year by board or commission members. However, since most, if not all, of the board of commission members with those conflicts are either directors or members of the Civic Association, they have decided to look the other way while this corruption continues. Their goal of keeping a majority on the Town Council overrides their civic obligation.
The second line of defense has failed.
In most communities, when government and civic groups have failed, or have been corrupted by politics, there is a third fail-safe: the local newspaper. The free press will come to the rescue and "shame" those guilty parties and correct the problem. Not in the case of Palm Beach.
The editorial staff of our "free press," the Palm Beach Daily News, instead of pointing out the problem that exists with the public's skepticism of the outcome of planning and zoning matters by boards or commissions upon which sit commissioners who have been "hired" by the very developers they are supposed to be governing, gives the Town Council a pat on the back for not ending the corruption. I won't go into reasons why, as they won't print them anyway.
Our third line of defense has failed.
What to do? There is a fourth line of defense, the final line of defense.
When all else fails, when the council doesn't act, when the civic associations are part of the problem, and when the newspaper gives them both a pat on the back for failing to clean up conflicts and corruption, we have one final option: the ballot box.
On Feb. 3, when our town elections are held, we can bring our own personal fail-safe system into play. We can vote against the candidates of corruption, the candidates who support allowing their cronies to take money for services from the very developers they are supposed to regulate. You can send a message to the town government, the Civic Association and the newspaper that says, "We want our town back, and we'll clean it up up."
-- Patrick Henry Flynn, President
Palm Beach Theater Guild, Inc.
POB 667, Palm Beach, FL 33480
T. 561 366-8980; F. 561 833-6865
http://www.pbtheaterguild.org/
Sunday, October 5, 2008
STUDY MISSES KEY PLAYHOUSE POINTS
Editorial Comment published in the Palm Beach Daily News September 28, 2008
By Patrick Henry Flynn
The Webb Management Study was not objective and hardly as worthy as the study they did in 2004 for Sidney Spiegel and Peter Cohen, which recommended destruction of the Royal Poinciana Playhouse.
This time the size of the Theater they could endorse was predetermined by the use of the criteria “town serving” –which mean 50% of patrons must come from Palm Beach.
Accordingly, Webb (p. 17) ran the numbers on the number of residents, and probable theater attendance, in accordance with “town serving”; and concluded a 250-seat theater is the limit.
Meanwhile, Webb also concludes (p. 17) that the Town Council is not of one mind-- in applying the selectively- enforced “town serving” ordinance to a non-profit, community- serving Poinciana Playhouse.
It also remains to be seen if “town serving” applies to the high-end, Bal Harbour, type of luxury-store retail environment the new developer-lessee apparently plans for Poinciana Plaza?
To its credit, the Webb study calls for multi-use facility for the arts. But the report ignores that the Palm Beach Theater Guild already has Performance Partners (Ballet Florida, Palm Beach Symphony, Palm Beach Principal Player, Palm Beach Opera, Palm Beach Atlantic University, PlayGround Theatre)-- who have written agreements to perform music, dance and subscription theater.
The study—commissioned by the new developers—also does not give the Poinciana Playhouse the chance to change from a theatrical roadhouse booking in shows to a regional subscription theater. Subscription theater is the principal income stream in the Palm Beach Theater Guild business model.
One conclusion by Webb (if you buy into the smaller, 250 seat theater) is it would require “a level of renovation” that would make the Royal Poinciana Playhouse “un-recognizable.”
On the contrary, the Palm Beach Theater Guild has reliable estimates -- from the firm doing Seagull Cottage -- that a loving restoration of the Royal Poinciana Playhouse and the Celebrity Room would cost $100 dollars a foot ($3.8 Million).
At their request we shared these numbers with Webb Management and we have asked the Poinciana Plaza Lessees for an opportunity to raise the balance of these funds -- to give Palm Beach residents a life of enjoyment with a rich choice of the performing arts.
Lastly, a person named “Mr. Acree” recently tried to characterize the fundraising of myself and the Palm Beach Theater Guild as “Cavalier.” His basis for that assertion was that I had “approached” him for a donation. But “Mr. Acree” and I have never met.
Patrick Henry Flynn
West Palm Beach, FL
By Patrick Henry Flynn
The Webb Management Study was not objective and hardly as worthy as the study they did in 2004 for Sidney Spiegel and Peter Cohen, which recommended destruction of the Royal Poinciana Playhouse.
This time the size of the Theater they could endorse was predetermined by the use of the criteria “town serving” –which mean 50% of patrons must come from Palm Beach.
Accordingly, Webb (p. 17) ran the numbers on the number of residents, and probable theater attendance, in accordance with “town serving”; and concluded a 250-seat theater is the limit.
Meanwhile, Webb also concludes (p. 17) that the Town Council is not of one mind-- in applying the selectively- enforced “town serving” ordinance to a non-profit, community- serving Poinciana Playhouse.
It also remains to be seen if “town serving” applies to the high-end, Bal Harbour, type of luxury-store retail environment the new developer-lessee apparently plans for Poinciana Plaza?
To its credit, the Webb study calls for multi-use facility for the arts. But the report ignores that the Palm Beach Theater Guild already has Performance Partners (Ballet Florida, Palm Beach Symphony, Palm Beach Principal Player, Palm Beach Opera, Palm Beach Atlantic University, PlayGround Theatre)-- who have written agreements to perform music, dance and subscription theater.
The study—commissioned by the new developers—also does not give the Poinciana Playhouse the chance to change from a theatrical roadhouse booking in shows to a regional subscription theater. Subscription theater is the principal income stream in the Palm Beach Theater Guild business model.
One conclusion by Webb (if you buy into the smaller, 250 seat theater) is it would require “a level of renovation” that would make the Royal Poinciana Playhouse “un-recognizable.”
On the contrary, the Palm Beach Theater Guild has reliable estimates -- from the firm doing Seagull Cottage -- that a loving restoration of the Royal Poinciana Playhouse and the Celebrity Room would cost $100 dollars a foot ($3.8 Million).
At their request we shared these numbers with Webb Management and we have asked the Poinciana Plaza Lessees for an opportunity to raise the balance of these funds -- to give Palm Beach residents a life of enjoyment with a rich choice of the performing arts.
Lastly, a person named “Mr. Acree” recently tried to characterize the fundraising of myself and the Palm Beach Theater Guild as “Cavalier.” His basis for that assertion was that I had “approached” him for a donation. But “Mr. Acree” and I have never met.
Patrick Henry Flynn
West Palm Beach, FL
Comments on Webb Study Favoring a 250 Seat Theater
As I read the article by William Kelly from Monday, I hope I have misunderstood this whole thing, because I can’t believe some of the suggestions that have come up over the years while we have been working to preserve this theatre.
Are there no theatre professionals who really know this area and the theatre itself to advise you? If not, may I be the first to volunteer my services? I have been a major player in this area for thirty years and have seen the antics that have gone on with the theatre’s preservation. The condition and shape of the theatre have been grossly exaggerated in a negative way to suit the advantage of the owners and time has been frittered away in putting this valuable community asset into a condition and circumstance that would benefit everyone.
I do not agree with changing the exterior of the theatre. It is a gem designed by a true artist. In cutting the theatre seating down, you will immensely limit the use that can be made of the facility. I am very familiar with the inside and the backstage area, as I have played there several times and attended many, many performances over the years.
I must commend Pat Flynn for his perseverance in the face of one disappointment after another in carrying the banner of this fight, which can only benefit the theatre community at large and the Palm Beach community, in particular.
Theatrically yours,
Jan McArt
Director of Theatre Arts Program Development
Producer
LYNN UNIVERSITY
Are there no theatre professionals who really know this area and the theatre itself to advise you? If not, may I be the first to volunteer my services? I have been a major player in this area for thirty years and have seen the antics that have gone on with the theatre’s preservation. The condition and shape of the theatre have been grossly exaggerated in a negative way to suit the advantage of the owners and time has been frittered away in putting this valuable community asset into a condition and circumstance that would benefit everyone.
I do not agree with changing the exterior of the theatre. It is a gem designed by a true artist. In cutting the theatre seating down, you will immensely limit the use that can be made of the facility. I am very familiar with the inside and the backstage area, as I have played there several times and attended many, many performances over the years.
I must commend Pat Flynn for his perseverance in the face of one disappointment after another in carrying the banner of this fight, which can only benefit the theatre community at large and the Palm Beach community, in particular.
Theatrically yours,
Jan McArt
Director of Theatre Arts Program Development
Producer
LYNN UNIVERSITY
A 250 Seat Theater Partisan
Patrick...please...let them tear it down...put up the facade, then have them build the 250 seat state of the art theatre for free................and of course we or the town get to approve what they have in mind so that it keeps PB as Palm Beach and not a mall.
This to me as you know has always made the most sense. And this is the only position that I am prepared to support....Best of Luck.
Mr. Flynn’s Response:
It's going to cost somebody about $5 million dollars to put a theater in Palm Beach. If the candidate is Florida Stage I would have 3 comments. Are 50 more seats worthy of $5 million dollars. For a million less we can fix up the Playhouse. With 850 seats we project an annual deficit of approximately the same as Florida Stage with 250 seats. Who serves the community more? We will have music and dance in addition to theater.
As an actor and a producer, you will have more access to the Playhouse than the shed the developers are talking about. As an audience member, the Playhouse will present a rich variety of programming. I really implore you to reconsider.
Thanks,
Patrick Henry Flynn
This to me as you know has always made the most sense. And this is the only position that I am prepared to support....Best of Luck.
Mr. Flynn’s Response:
It's going to cost somebody about $5 million dollars to put a theater in Palm Beach. If the candidate is Florida Stage I would have 3 comments. Are 50 more seats worthy of $5 million dollars. For a million less we can fix up the Playhouse. With 850 seats we project an annual deficit of approximately the same as Florida Stage with 250 seats. Who serves the community more? We will have music and dance in addition to theater.
As an actor and a producer, you will have more access to the Playhouse than the shed the developers are talking about. As an audience member, the Playhouse will present a rich variety of programming. I really implore you to reconsider.
Thanks,
Patrick Henry Flynn
YMCA Hall for Palm Beach?
The facade of the theater is far from the point!!! The most salient issue is of course the interior, which has the most fabulous acoustics of any theater in the Nation! A two hundred and fifty seat house is tantamount to a YMCA assembly hall; it's not a theater, it's a farce; the camel's nose in the tent... It's obvious they intend to raze the place, res ipsa loquitur...
Ralph M. Demers
Palm Beach, FL
Ralph M. Demers
Palm Beach, FL
The Opinion of a Theater Professional
Casey Biggs here from the Acting Company. We met a few times when I was in town.
As a theater professional my two cents is that you are absolutely right that a 250 seat theater is of little use to your community and the plans that you have to renovate and keep an 850 seat venue will serve you better in the long run.
The most important movement in industry and the arts today is in the Cultural Economy. You are ripe for it and have a strong argument for it.
Casey Biggs
Athens, New York
As a theater professional my two cents is that you are absolutely right that a 250 seat theater is of little use to your community and the plans that you have to renovate and keep an 850 seat venue will serve you better in the long run.
The most important movement in industry and the arts today is in the Cultural Economy. You are ripe for it and have a strong argument for it.
Casey Biggs
Athens, New York
Poinciana Plaza Needs TLC
I would not miss the meeting, and keep up the good work. I do not want a "Boca" atmosphere in Poinciana Plaza. I love the way it looks now..just needs to be paved, and some TLC. People need to realize what they are giving up when they sign on the dotted line. Our town and the charm of the town is based in the style of the architecture. I love the feeling on Sunday morning when we go in to Testa's for breakfast and sit in the pine booths...and now that may go, too. These things are part of the tradition in the town that makes it so unique. I can remember the original dance floor at Taboo, and the charm of Chuck and Harolds. I have attended plays at the Poinciana Theater, and it was great to have it. I can't even imagine that everyone doesn't "get it". If we don't stop taking things away from the charm of the town, we will regret it, so keep going, and Mike and I will continue to support you.
Pam Bove
Palm Beach, Florida
Pam Bove
Palm Beach, Florida
Developers Beating at the Doors (Letter to Palm Beach Town Council Members)
Date: Sun, 28 Sep 2008 20:02:07 -0700
Subject: Royal Poinciana Playhouse
To: Council@TownOfPalmBeach.com
Ladies and Gentlemen,
I am on record as favoring both the land-marking of the Plaza and the restoration of the existing Royal Poinciana Playhouse. I belong to the Palm Beach Theater Guild and have attended various meetings and public discussions about the future of the Plaza, especially the Theater.
It is disappointing that there is even a question about the worth of a venue for the performing arts in town. The house is a gem, and I am not simply parroting what others have said. It has fine sight lines from everywhere and the slope of the seating is such that all the seats offer a view of the entire stage and hear every word spoken. The décor has both style and class, as befits a Palm Beach venue.
I recall very fondly opening nights when the "crowd" was black-tie, and the house was full. As a contrast, go to opening nights at the Kravis and feast your eyes on men and women wearing "casual" clothes much too small for them, and shod in flip-flops. Ugh!
Redevelopment struggles such as this invariably end up with the developer holding the lion's share and the opponents holding the bag. In this case, the only result I can imagine is the smaller theater urged by the Webb report incorporated in a condominium so the developer can say he kept his end of the bargain. Even worse, after striking such a deal, I can also imagine the potential residents complaining they don't want to live over a theater and then the developer can come begging for relief from his obligations for financial reasons. Shades of the Spiegel argument and from certain of his friends around Town Hall.
Regarding Florida Stage, the Town is not an enthusiastic supporter of avant garde theater. We like the warhorses simply because they are tested, entertaining and always fresh because they are timeless. The concerns of Florida Stage should not influence this decision beyond its capacity for support of the house.
The Court has declared that the original covenant restricting the use of the Theater property runs with the land. That should settle it, making it much easier for the building to be landmarked. If it can be used only for a theater, who can logically object to a plan that upgrades it and puts it to that use?
Unfortunately, developers have an unusual capacity for beating at the judicial door again and again until exhaustion, both psychological and financial, causes a compromise. In the instant case, it seems suspiciously that the developers intend to continue that beating and that they intend to be successful, else they wouldn't have taken on the obligations of developing and operating the Plaza. The covenant issue was settled by the time they came into the picture. They came in with eyes open. It seems the Town Council can determine, logically, that the maintenance of the rehabilitated theater on the Plaza is just a cost of doing business and landmark the Plaza without further discussion.
David G. Kamm
Palm Beach, Florida
Subject: Royal Poinciana Playhouse
To: Council@TownOfPalmBeach.com
Ladies and Gentlemen,
I am on record as favoring both the land-marking of the Plaza and the restoration of the existing Royal Poinciana Playhouse. I belong to the Palm Beach Theater Guild and have attended various meetings and public discussions about the future of the Plaza, especially the Theater.
It is disappointing that there is even a question about the worth of a venue for the performing arts in town. The house is a gem, and I am not simply parroting what others have said. It has fine sight lines from everywhere and the slope of the seating is such that all the seats offer a view of the entire stage and hear every word spoken. The décor has both style and class, as befits a Palm Beach venue.
I recall very fondly opening nights when the "crowd" was black-tie, and the house was full. As a contrast, go to opening nights at the Kravis and feast your eyes on men and women wearing "casual" clothes much too small for them, and shod in flip-flops. Ugh!
Redevelopment struggles such as this invariably end up with the developer holding the lion's share and the opponents holding the bag. In this case, the only result I can imagine is the smaller theater urged by the Webb report incorporated in a condominium so the developer can say he kept his end of the bargain. Even worse, after striking such a deal, I can also imagine the potential residents complaining they don't want to live over a theater and then the developer can come begging for relief from his obligations for financial reasons. Shades of the Spiegel argument and from certain of his friends around Town Hall.
Regarding Florida Stage, the Town is not an enthusiastic supporter of avant garde theater. We like the warhorses simply because they are tested, entertaining and always fresh because they are timeless. The concerns of Florida Stage should not influence this decision beyond its capacity for support of the house.
The Court has declared that the original covenant restricting the use of the Theater property runs with the land. That should settle it, making it much easier for the building to be landmarked. If it can be used only for a theater, who can logically object to a plan that upgrades it and puts it to that use?
Unfortunately, developers have an unusual capacity for beating at the judicial door again and again until exhaustion, both psychological and financial, causes a compromise. In the instant case, it seems suspiciously that the developers intend to continue that beating and that they intend to be successful, else they wouldn't have taken on the obligations of developing and operating the Plaza. The covenant issue was settled by the time they came into the picture. They came in with eyes open. It seems the Town Council can determine, logically, that the maintenance of the rehabilitated theater on the Plaza is just a cost of doing business and landmark the Plaza without further discussion.
David G. Kamm
Palm Beach, Florida
Royal Poinciana Playhouse study needs outsider's viewpoint
Saturday, September 27, 2008
(The Palm Beach Daily News) editorial of Sept. 21 approves the Webb report that the Playhouse theater cannot be revived.Your paper reports that Webb Management Services was hired by Sterling Palm Beach (of which Brian Kosoy is CEO), which controls the Poinciana Plaza and whose partners include Rednum Capital Partners (of which Lee Munder is managing director). How much should we rely on reports from a group whose motives would seem to include that of making some money out of what they do?Gene Pandula is quoted in your paper saying, "Experts and reports can say anything they want to say."However, if we do need some help, let us get a so-called "expert" or "planner" or other bright young person who is unaffiliated, unrelated, unconnected and who is from outside, preferably from a place at least 100 miles from here.
Arnold J. Hoffman
Palm Beach
(The Palm Beach Daily News) editorial of Sept. 21 approves the Webb report that the Playhouse theater cannot be revived.Your paper reports that Webb Management Services was hired by Sterling Palm Beach (of which Brian Kosoy is CEO), which controls the Poinciana Plaza and whose partners include Rednum Capital Partners (of which Lee Munder is managing director). How much should we rely on reports from a group whose motives would seem to include that of making some money out of what they do?Gene Pandula is quoted in your paper saying, "Experts and reports can say anything they want to say."However, if we do need some help, let us get a so-called "expert" or "planner" or other bright young person who is unaffiliated, unrelated, unconnected and who is from outside, preferably from a place at least 100 miles from here.
Arnold J. Hoffman
Palm Beach
Thank Patrick Flynn for Royal Poinciana Playhouse efforts
Saturday, September 27, 2008
Mr. (Derek) Acree's attack on Mr. (Patrick) Flynn's selfless dedication to the preservation of the Royal Poinciana Playhouse, a beautiful venue for the performing arts and an integral part of the gracious history of Palm Beach, show him to be a person unable to consider that there are people, unlike him, who give time and energy to make the world they find a better place instead of worshipping at the altar of the almighty dollar. Thank you, Patrick, for all you have done to keep the barbarians at the gates.You know that you have the respect and admiration of countless longtime residents and area theatergoers, and your work will be remembered long after the acrimonious attack of the soon-to-be-forgotten Mr. Acree.Laurence McNamara
Mr. (Derek) Acree's attack on Mr. (Patrick) Flynn's selfless dedication to the preservation of the Royal Poinciana Playhouse, a beautiful venue for the performing arts and an integral part of the gracious history of Palm Beach, show him to be a person unable to consider that there are people, unlike him, who give time and energy to make the world they find a better place instead of worshipping at the altar of the almighty dollar. Thank you, Patrick, for all you have done to keep the barbarians at the gates.You know that you have the respect and admiration of countless longtime residents and area theatergoers, and your work will be remembered long after the acrimonious attack of the soon-to-be-forgotten Mr. Acree.Laurence McNamara
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