$500,000.00 mortgage received by David Singer from a John Dubois Company. Does such a business relationship create a conflict between potiential council members?

Not many of us have a friend we can call upon to loan us one half of a million dollars.  David Singer does - and that friend is Palmetto Bay Vice Mayor John Dubois.  The rest of us have to go to commercial banks, go through a credit and employment check, put up 20% and prove ability to repay - and face foreclosure if we default. 

And Wow, how many of us believe that a loan of $500,000.00 will not sway loyalties, that Mr. Singer will not be "indebted" to John Dubois in future votes that come before the council if both are elected in November?

CLICK HERE to view a well researched article posted on the EyeOnMiami blog back in June 6, 2012.  John Dubois appears to write loans to the politically connected.  We have a loan to a (now former) County Commissioner.  I see no other loans until he provides the $500,000.00 loan to David Singer, a potential future Palmetto Bay Council Member. 

This begs the question: Have any loans been ever been provided to non-political figures?  This is very interesting indeed.

Neither has spoken publicly or disclosed this relationship, but it is there, listed in the public records.  Perhaps there is nothing immoral or unethical, but is everyone comfortable with two potential council members having such a close business relationship?  $500,000.00 - that is a big favor.  Especially on what appears (and I could be wrong) a 100% mortgage of $500K on a home that is appraised by the Miami-Dade Property Appraiser at $356,947 in Assessed Value and $438,977 in Market Value. 

The effective date of the Mortgage is August 20, 2015.  I have not heard back from Mr. Singer as this note/mortgage has been paid back in full or if an extension has been extended - the $500,000.00 was used to purchase property at 8350 SW 146th Street, Palmetto Bay, FL on or about August 20, 2015. The mortgage and promissory note indicated that the mortgage is due (payment in full) on August 20, 2016.  We are now one month past that date - September 2016.  No word on payment in full and the property still appears to be for sale.  The Sales Information indicates that the Qualification / Description was "Forced sale; under duress; foreclosure prevention" (See JPEG of Property appraiser summary). 

This house is located in Mangowood, Palmetto Bay, Florida, and is presently used to display campaign signs for both John Dubois and David Singer in the upcoming election. 

The facts regarding the Mortgage/Promissory notes (information taken directly from the documents available/filed in the public records):  David Singer obtained a $500,000.00 one year balloon mortgage from REDINN MTG LLC - a John Dubois company on August 20, 2016 - see the Florida Department of State, Division of Corporation Records at sunbiz.org - or view the .JPEGS of the corporate summary sheet below.

There are some fair questions for Mr. Singer:
1.  Please advise how you will avoid having such business dealing with Mr. Dubois color your interaction with him on the village council.
2. Have you paid this mortgage off? If not, then what consideration (or written agreement) has been provided to extend this mortgage beyond its original due date?
3.  Was this mortgage listed as a debt on your Form 1, part of your qualifying papers to run for office?  Why or why not as to listing it?
4.  Please list the extent of your business partnerships with John Dubois, Jeffery Leary or any company owned in full or in part by/with John Dubois.
5.  Why have you not seen fit to disclose any to these relationships to date to the voters?
6.  What have you promised Mr. Dubois which has resulted in Mr. Dubois not filing a lawsuit to foreclose on this $500,000.00 mortgage that appears to be more than one-month in default?  Has he served you with any legal notification or demand for payment?  If so, can you produce such notification?

I feel that we, the members of the public, have a right to know the extend of the business dealings/relationships between existing and/or with potential members of the Village Council.

The real David Singer - is he a stalker as alleged in court documents or simply the Village "Court Jester". Review the comments made about him by Gary Pastorella on May 4, 2015 and the self-paid advertisement by Don Waters

Putting someone in fear for their family crosses the line.  So does harassment of a resident to a point where he feels the need to seek protection from the Court.  David Singer's past behavior may be a good (or bad) indicator of how he will perform as a council member. We are supposed to be a positive village - there is no room for potentially dangerous antics. Stop it before someone gets hurt. I know I am expected to sit back and try to stay above the fray, but I will take only so many baseless and unsupported attacks.   

Posted here is but one example of David's behavior that I find disturbing. There are plenty more. I take issue with his relentless and offbeat attacks. I believe that you will see evidence of behavior that should disturb you in this video.  Don’t just listen to me – listen to another one of my oft critics, Gary Pastorella, speak about him in an open forum at the May 4, 2016, village council meeting.  You can see this exchange by viewing the official meeting archive.  The comments from Mrs. Pastorella begin at 1:14:42. Her husband's, Gary Pastorella, comments begin at 1:17:14  (CLICK HERE to view the video). 

In this video, you will see that Mr. Singer is seated in front and the two often gaze directly and gesture directly at each other.  This is a serious matter and you should review this tape to determine the character of those involved.  And, by the way, this is the same Gary Pastorella who filed for a restraining order against David Singer for Stalking – yes, that is correct, he felt that he need to go to court to obtain an order to prevent Mr. Singer from STALKING him filed 5/7/2015, just days after Mr. Pastorella laid into Mr. Singer at the public forum:  (Case No. 2015-011478-FC-04). The case was ultimately dismissed, for what reasons I cannot tell, as the file appears to have been sealed.  - listen to the exchange on the video - I believe there to be real anger and fear for what Mr. Singer may do next. 

Gary Pastorella is not the only person sounding alarms about David Singer's behavior – there is an advertisement taken out (paid for by personal funds, unrelated to any political campaigns) Published in the Palmetto Bay News – PAGE 7, September 13 – 26, 2016 Edition.  Please take the time to read this advertisement by Don Waters, who felt strongly enough to take out an advertisement.

David Singer is an interesting character.  First of all, let me say that I have often (and probably improperly) enjoyed David Singer. He can be funny.  He certainly speaks his mind.  There are times I agree with him (and he has quoted me when he has), but there are many times that I have disagreed with him  (and he fails to acknowledge those times and instead has vilified me for my disagreement).  The conduct relating to how he treats other residents, as detailed by Gary Pastorella and Don Waters is most troubling.  So troubling, that I have posted a constructed transcript of Mr. Pastorella's comments made at the meeting and provided the link to the actual video – again, CLICK HERE).  I suggest that you read along as you review the video. 

The following individual addressed the Village Council during Public Comments at the May 4, 2015 Regular Council Meeting (Time of recording: 1:17:00):

Gary Pastorella,(address redacted), Palmetto Bay

I found this box on my patio, my porch the other day. Fortunately for me, I was in the bedroom and saw the person who left it leaving like a cockroach jumping in their car and driving away. I yet to open it, but I did open the envelope and in the envelope is the paper that announces a celebration of the fire station.

What’s interesting is if this was a true celebration, not the phony celebration that was and only attempted to harass the Pastorellas and the neighbors who are participating in the litigation against the fire station, they would’ve passed these out throughout the Village and everyone on our street would of received one of these, but I am the only one that received one of these. In addition…so let’s go ahead, we have not opened any of these packages.

We received unsolicited packages in the mail. So let’s go ahead and start opening these packages, these presents that were sent by an individual whose also in this room right now and it should be noted that if this phony celebration and I say supported by this Council, Mr. Schaffer who was there who was participating and as such in my opinion being certain lawyers created a liability and part of this Council as the supported phony... Oh, here we go… party supplies is just one of the boxes. Here’s the invoice and it’s shipped to Gary Pastorella from, I think the court jester Mr. David Singer.

Thank you, Mr. Singer. All these items were shipped to my house. Now, it’s fine if you want to come at me, but when I have a wife and neighbors it should of be of concern to every one of you, but it doesn’t appear to be. Thank you for the fire engine okay. It should also be pointed out that we are in actual negotiations and we have reached out to the Dade County Fire Department and we will be meeting with the Fire Department to hopefully resolve this so that we can all have a celebration, but the childish and immaturity of this Council is beyond reproach. Now, thank you David. More presents from David. All these are from Mr. Singer. Each and every one of you __ it’s not even little funny. What else we got? More fire fighter stuff. Every one of you should be embarrassed. I’m embarrassed to be living in Palmetto Bay that allows us to have… (background noise). I don’t think there’s any more to be said at this point

Mayor Flinn (Commenting): Thank you Fidel. Maybe we can make sure that those toys are donated to a children’s program or somewhere where they will be taken care of. Thank you.

End.

The entire page, Palmetto Bay News, page 7

Traffic Town Hall Meeting - Tuesday, September 27, 2016 - 6:30 pm - Municipal Center, 9705 E. Hibiscus Street

We look forward to your attendance and participation.
Traffic Town Hall Meeting - Tuesday, September 27, 2016 - 6:30 pm

Municipal Center, 9705 E. Hibiscus Street (CLICK HERE for more info)

 

The Village of Palmetto Bay shall be holding a Town Hall Meeting on Tuesday, September 27, 2016, at 6:30 p.m. The purpose of this Town Hall Meeting is to discuss the methodology of the installation of a temporary crosswalk at SW 82nd Avenue and SW 148th Drive after the county removed the eastbound/westbound stop signs at this intersection. Miami Dade County officials will be present to address concerns.

 

This meeting is open to the public. Commissioner Daniella Levine Cava will be in attendance, as will Mayor Flinn, the Village of Palmetto Bay Manager Ed Silva, and Director Alice Bravo of the Miami-Dade County Department of Transportation and Public Works. Please come to share your feedback so that the County and Village officials can hear the concerns of our residents.

 

The Town Hall Meeting shall be held in the Village Hall Chambers at Village Hall, 9705 E. Hibiscus Street, Palmetto Bay, FL. Although this is not a meeting of the Village Council, Council Members may attend at their option.

Any person may contact the Village Hall at (305) 259-1234 for information. In accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, persons needing special accommodation (or if hearing impaired) to participate in this proceeding or to review any documents relative thereto should contact the Village for assistance at (305) 259-1234 no later than four (4) days prior to the proceedings

Fact checking - David Feinberg, architect, planner, author of the "covenants" re: the Palmetto Bay Village Center (Burger King Headquarters) speaks to the real facts, blowing away the cheap political distortions

It is time to reject campaign smear tactics and listen to someone who was actually involved in the original fight regarding the Palmetto Bay Village Center; there was a court order that set vested developmental rights - 1,700 units. That's right - and 485 is more than a 70% REDUCTION in development rights. 

But here we go again.  Once again, divisive politics and misstatements are used for selfish political gain in Palmetto Bay.  This is not what we signed up for.  Once again I am asking John Dubois (attack mailers and e-mails against me) and David Singer, to tone it down and behave in a manner more befitting a small town USA than big city divisive politics. 

This post is generated due to a 9/20 e-mail David Singer sent me as well as a Facebook forum posting of this same date.  In both, he falsely alleges that his opponent, Councilman Tim Schaffer,  misleads the residents on 485 homes.  Ironically, David Singer apologizes to the residents "...because (the e-mail) uses technical references that may not be easily understood...) (It appears that he is telling us all that WE are not smart enough to understand - while it seems clear to me that either he is the one who doesn't "understand" or he is simply ignoring facts and asserting bold  false statements as his  "facts").  It is time to call them out, once again, and present the actual documented facts concerning the vested property rights underlying the Palmetto Bay Village Center, this time stated from someone where was there back when all these rights were originally sorted out.  The documents don't lie.  Its all stated in black and white, and we have had planners, zoning attorneys, and even the original parties to the original agreements present the truth concerning the 1,700 units. 

Please review the actual history and facts presented by Cutler Bay resident David Feinberg.  Why should we listen?  Because he is not an observer, but was an active participant in the evolution of the original Burger King World Headquarters, now known and operated as the Palmetto Bay Village Center (PBVC). He was there.  Mr. Feinberg actually fought to preserve the native areas of the PBVC. He is an important and objective resource on this issue; to present the real facts, unfiltered or influenced by political aspiration as David Singer and John Dubois. And by the way, Mr. Feinberg confirms the number long denied by Mr. Singer: 1,700 units.  This exposes Mr. Singer's outrageous and outright misstatements/fabrications.  Case closed. The truth bomb drops once again on Mr Singer and he needs to cease and desist from his work to revise history.

Mr Feinberg cares about our community, not political goals.  Compare his facts, actual facts, rather than the divisive, self-serving, Lord of the Flies politics of John Dubois and David Singer as evidenced in their unsubstantiated and inflammatory misstatements.  These comments come from Mr. Feinberg as one of the drafters of the original 'covenants"?  He has the requisite historical, institutional knowledge and it was shared during public comments on May 2, 2016.  How can David Singer possibly functions as a member of the village council and manage a zoning hearing if he misses (either deliberately or through lack of capacity to understand) the unmistakable and documented evidence presented on an issue as important as the PBVC?

Here is one of the most important statements from Mr. Feinberg:  "The transfer of the development rights as I’ve heard it tonight and in legal terms, and I am an architect and planner, sounds to me like one hell of a deal for the town of Palmetto Bay, for Cutler Bay and all the areas along Old Cutler." (Emphasis added)

Here is the verbatim taken from the hearing:

The following individual addressed the Village Council during Public Comments at the May 2, 2016 Local Planning Agency Meeting (Time of recording: 1:23:26) - official video posted below (CLICK HERE to go to the official village video achieve if the video posted below fails to work)

David Feinberg

(address redacted)

Cutler Bay

I am David Feinberg, an architect.  I have lived here in Cutler Bay for the last 44 years; (address redacted) - Cutler Bay.  As it turns out, I am the author along with John Cox of Dade County that wrote the original document you have in front of you; the Ordinance permitting Burger King to come into this place.  I was called by Mayor Clark and Clara Osterle to discuss then as Chairman; I was then Chairman and founder of the South Dade Community Council, which took in all the area of 136^th all the way down to Palm Spring, Palm Avenue.  We had to deal then with a Judge ordered high rise that had something like 1,700 units approved by a Judge for the bay side of the property.  Burger King came to us and said we propose to put in a commercial space here and the community said “no way” are we going to have commercial on Old Cutler etc., etc.  Homework proved that the Burger King facility would be far more preferable than the high rise.  And you have now the Burger King. We don’t have 1,700 high rises on the bay. 

I’ve listened to all of the discussions tonight as to the transfer of the development rights.  There are two glaring errors that we missed when we wrote this Ordinance.  One was the use of the word visual screen instead of a buffer and the fact that 30 years from then; 1985, is when we did this originally that the conveyance would expire and that they could build housing on Old Cutler.  We screwed up there, sorry about that.  The other was toward preservation; we screwed up on that too.  But, they were not in vogue in those days, so you have the Ordinance as it was written then.  The transfer of the development rights as I’ve heard it tonight and in legal terms, and I am an architect and planner, sounds to me like one hell of a deal for the town of Palmetto Bay, for Cutler Bay and all the areas along Old Cutler. 

We just won the battle of 9 acres down here at the same intersection for Cutler Bay and we are going to push like the devil and I did not wear my yellow shirt tonight to build a park on that corner.  I have dealt with that corner since 1985 as well when it was known as the Turchako property and we tried to make it a golf course and it didn’t happen.  There will be housing on that property unless we can get a park and that is going to be a big deal with monies that don’t exist yet.  I am basically beginning to feel that this transfer of development rights is a hell of a deal and I’m only coming to you tonight after listening to all of these arguments on behalf of the guy who started this whole thing way back with Burger King.  I know my three minutes are probably up.

Mayor:  You need to wrap it up.

Mr. Feinberg:  I am available to the town as a neighbor to discuss the development with your Town Manager and with your Development Director to sit and discuss what I see as what we envisioned 31 years ago.  Thank you for your attention and I would like to put this letter into record, which I wrote on behalf of myself.  I have no other respect, but as a private citizen.

Mayor:  Thank you. I have one statement totally off task. Please contact me at the very beginning, Councilman Neidhart. We have been trying to maintain local history. Where are you? We need you.  We need documents.  Thank you

Mr. Feinberg:  I’m right here.

End (all bold emphasis added)

My final notes on this topic today: I am beginning to wonder if David Singer can comprehend the truth - though in my opinion he seems incapable of telling the truth.  Is this by design or through lack of capacity?

Mr. Singer, is this all a plan to undo the "485" at the PBVC in order to go back to the 1,700 units?  Developers like you would make much more money developing 1,700 units rather than being restricted to less than 1/3.  That's right Mr. Singer, 485 is a reduction of over 70%.  I bet your development company has never developed a project reduced by over 70% of its original developmental rights.

Photos of the day - The Sunday Old Cutler Run Club is off and running- Photos from week 2

The Old Cutler Run Club continues to grow.  This is a Tri-City effort between Palmetto Bay, Pinecrest and Cutler Bay.  We thank our sponsor Baptist Health, South Florida and, of course, all-world runner, Frankie Ruiz as well as the Pineapple Pacers. 


Group Photo, week 2, 9-18-16

I continue to be impressed by the participation from Coral Reef Elementary and its CRE on the Run Club.  The club (run through teacher and parent volunteers) develops healthy activities to our youth.

 I am pleased that our village continues to promote a diverse range of activities in our Village Parks. The Amphitheater at Ludovici Park has been used for rehearsals and performances of cultural events, community gathers and now - pre-and post- run club warms ups/cool downs. 

I love this new activity - the run club provides yet another purpose to our parks system.  This run club has benefited from significant planning and we have to thank Frankie Ruiz for his expertise and confidence in our area as well as our Sponsor Baptist Health Systems.  Here are some photos from past planning meetings:

April 20 - A great meeting today (4/20/16) at Panera. Formulating a partnership Run Club. Look for it soon. Partnering with Miami-Dade County - MDC Parks (Deering Estate) and our sister communities and it all to be sponsored through Baptist Health Systems. Thank you Frankie Ruiz.

July, 7, Three Mayors and our sponsor working on a tri-city run club. Looking forward to a running start in early September. A Pinecrest, Palmetto Bay and Cutler Bay collaboration with our sponsor Baptist Health Systems.

The Village of Palmetto Bay Youth Community Involvement Board - Sat 9/17/16 update

Important discussion on safety legislation - combating distracted driving.

The Village of Palmetto Bay Youth Community Involvement Board  met on Saturday, September 17, 2016.  Mark Merwitzer is bringing forward an initiative with support from the entire Palmetto Bay Youth Community Involvement Board.   Speakers included our State Senator, Miguel Diaz de la Portilla and our County Commissioner Daniella Levine Cava. 

This is an outstanding group taking on important issues and service to our community.  Thank you to our board members for their civic participation.

Discussion on Able Bodies - dance and beyond and working with those with different abilities.

Palmetto Bay Youth Community Involvement Board w/Sen Miguel Diaz de la Portilla and County Commissioner Daniella Levine Cava

 

Working on solutions. Village---County Reach a Solution-on-Stop-Signs, while candidates stir the pot of discontent

http://myemail.constantcontact.com/Village---County-Reach-a-Solution-on-Stop-Signs.html?soid=1102365100311&aid=BdFCmOXStjU

Clink the link above to read the actual release from Palmetto Bay regarding our efforts.

I have been working to pull things together in a positive manner while certain candidates have pandered and stirred the pot with misinformation.  Here are the facts and the updates:

Following a series of meetings with County officials, the Village of Palmetto Bay has reached an agreement with Miami-Dade County to install a temporary crosswalk at SW 82nd Avenue and SW 148th Drive after the county removed the eastbound/westbound stop signs at this intersection.

Citing safety concerns for pedestrians crossing the intersection, Village officials held several meetings with county staff to identify a solution. As a result of this action and through the help of Commissioner Daniella Levine Cava, Miami-Dade County has agreed to the following:  

• A Public Meeting will be held at Village Hall on September 27th at 6:30pm to discuss methodology. 
• The County will allow Palmetto Bay to put in the temporary crosswalk consisting of pavement markings & temporary signage while they review and analyze the installation of a permanent crosswalk. 
• In the future, the County will provide advance notice of at least 10 days to the Village and to affected residents of any roadway project, including the removal of signs or signals.

Miami-Dade County recently removed the stop signs after determining that they did not comply with Federal and County policies. In an email from Darlene Fernandez, Assistant Director of Traffic Services for the Miami-Dade County Department of Transportation and Public Works, she explains that it is the county's policy to "not have unwarranted signs, pavement markings, traffic calming devices, etc...throughout the county." See a copy of the email here.

The Village Council and Village Administration take the safety of our residents to heart. Although Council & Administration were informed that the intersection was being reviewed, the Village was not advised that the removal of the stop signs was imminent. The issue was to be discussed at the Council Meeting of September 12th.  

 

Information presented to the residents from sources other than the Village stating that the request to remove the stop signs came from Palmetto Bay officials is entirely inaccurate. An email sent by County Chief Engineer Claudia Diaz has been misrepresented to the residents and the residents are entitled to know the facts. There was no request from any Palmetto Bay official to remove the signs and there was no prior notice given to the Village before their removal. The decision to remove the signs was made by the county. This is affirmed in a follow-up email sent by Assistant Director Fernandez.  

 

The Village's primary concern has always been the safety of our residents and we will continue to focus on that priority. However, your trust is also important and we will continue to communicate the facts to you about what your Village is doing.  We feel it is our duty to keep our residents informed so that they can each reach their own conclusions that are based on facts rather than inaccurate information.

We would like to thank the Village Council and County Commissioner Daniella Levine Cava for making this matter a priority, and also thank the Director and staff from the County's Division of Traffic Services for their willingness to work with us and for quickly responding to our concerns.  Work on the new temporary crosswalk is expected to begin by the end of next week.  

----------------------------------------------------------

We can find the best solutions through working together.  It is unfortunate that some candidates for Palmetto Bay office are intent creating discontent through misinformation and throwing stones rather than working together for the benefit of our Palmetto Bay Community.  Keep that in mind at election time.

Neighborhood Protection. A better, walkable neighborhood or do we prefer car dealships? Its a fair question for candidate David Singer.

Did David Singer involve himself in bringing a new car dealership to Palmetto Bay? This leads me to question his vision for Palmetto Bay's "Downtown" district.  General opinions very, but I have yet to hear the first person tell me how proud they are of how it looks.  I have yet to hear from the first person tell me that they proudly drive out of town relatives and guests through our existing downtown area as an example of a great Small Town USA area. Although maybe they do, if the friends or relatives are looking to purchase a new or used car from any of the large number of car dealerships located currently in our area.   

David Singer continues to deny any role in the Audi dealership.  ANY?  Come on David, you know better.  You love to spin e-mails, so I am posting e-mails involving you and the Audi dealership in order to provide the readers sufficient information so they can decide for themselves whether the Audi purchased happen on its own or how deep you were involved. 

And, let me also disclose that I am not against car dealerships, some have been outstanding partners to our village, generous in their donations and participation as well as working hard and being good neighbors.  The question is do we want to be know as being a "Car Dealership District" "Palmetto Bay Automall" anyone????

Or do we want a mix in the uses; including areas where we can travel for entertainment, restaurants, parks or even to work - as an alternative to traveling downtown?  The question is when do we have enough Car Dealerships - when do new dealerships stand in the way of realizing the goals of a balanced mix to properly complete our live, work, play community?

David Singer's own e-mail thread contradicts his continual denial of involvement in Audi.  The e-mails are between him, his development company and a recent suitor to Palmetto Bay (2014).  The e-mails reveal the facts. Read for yourself. 

And the impact of the Audi dealership purchase is already being felt in our community CLICK HERE to view the article in the Palmetto Bay News and its impact on local businesses:  Antique Mall Y’All is moving, but not far, by Gary Alan Ruse, Aug 18, 2016:

After being in the same location for almost 14 years, Antique Mall Y’All is moving south — not out of Palmetto Bay but just a third of a mile away. ...

Since the entire block has been sold not only will the antique mall be affected but also the building housing the law firm of Ludovici & Ludovici and a number of small merchants in shops on the north side of the property. An Audi car dealership will be taking its place.

I questions for Mr. Singer:
Please disclose whether any gratuities or financial assistance was paid/provided to any of these business to assist them with the relocation, either to cover relocation expenses or adjustment in rents or loss of business. Any payments? If not, why did you involve yourself in this transaction?

Have you promised them any zoning favors at hearing if you are elected? 

Will you recuse yourself form voting on this issue, given you apparent inside involvement?

There is another fair question to be answered here: How many additional car dealerships do we want or need in Palmetto Bay? What is the right number in our community?    

 

Mangowood 4-way stop/crosswalk update - contractor selected - date for commencement of work

Mangowood - SW 148th Drive and 82nd Avenue update -

 

Palmetto Bay Manager Ed Silva has advised that we have secured the contractor for the crosswalk. 

 

The contractor will commence work no later than Wednesday to install the temporary crosswalk for SW 82 Av and SW 148 Drive.  I will continue to keep you up to date.

Addendum/update: Observations communicated to me led me to update this post.  I placed a photo of a representation of what we should see with the center stop notification delineator. The photo was taken in Coconut Grover earlier today (Thurs, 9/15).  If I achieve the goals, the Mangowood crosswalk will actually look more like those in the grove by city hall that also have the on-demand flashers.  I ask interested people to take a look at 82 Av and 163rd Street near Southwood to see the on-demand flashers installed in Palmetto Bay.  I want the latest technology for safety.  Thank you. 

Leadership - pushing for a safety crosswalk to replace the stop signs that were removed by the County, not by or at the request of Palmetto Bay

The political campaigns are getting ugly and the truth is the first casualty. Conspiracies are used far too often to rile people up, but in the end they do nothing good for the community.  Here we go again. The latest conspiracy is from a district 2 candidate who I feel is trying to divide the community solely for the benefit of his campaign - this latest missive concerns a serious matter - the stop signs formerly at SW 82nd and 148th Drive in Mangowood.  Note that I am providing postings of actual e-mails to read and judge for yourself rather than merely telling you an opinion as to what they reveal.

The long-time stop signs on 82, at 148, were removed by the County on Friday, September 9, in the late afternoon.  This was done by the County, based upon their ongoing analysis and without input or request from Palmetto Bay (see e-mails posted below).  The County has advised that this is not specific to Palmetto Bay, but is an ongoing effort to remove signage that the County (not the municipality) deems "unwarranted".  Further - this same action has occurred in other municipalities including Pinecrest, Hialeah and North Miami.  To assist in your review, I am posting my e-mail statement and two e-mails from the County Public Works department below.

We are and should always remain a tight knit "Small Town USA" community; an oasis within greater Miami-Dade County. Let's work together to solve issues.

Please call me to personally discuss any rumors or campaign rhetoric you would care to discuss - at (305) 302-3713 (as many of you have - and I thank each and every one of you).  This is the same number I've used since I was first elected mayor of this wonderful village.

I may not be able to get the stop signs replaced, but I immediately began work on enhancing safety through championing the appropriate safety crosswalk for our community.  I ask my fellow council members to join in with me on this important effort.

I also ask that my fellow council members make their comments public where all can see and be fully apprised of their respective comments.  Backroom discussions only lead to miscommunications and rumors.  I sign my comments and I remain very public about my statements - for all, not just a select few to see.

Again, here are the facts, directly from the County, in their full, unedited original e-mail as to the Village of Palmetto Bay and/or their representatives: Lack of involvement of PBay in the stop sign issue at hand.  Click "Read more" below for more information and the posting of my complete public statement

Who is the real David Singer? His own words tell the real story. Taking on, not rooting for "Neighborhood Protection."

As someone who has faithfully served Palmetto Bay since before our incorporation, I know that my reputation is important. I work hard to maintain it.  As such, I am concerned about the recent baseless, conflicting attacks put out by a candidate for Palmetto Bay Council.  I am allowed my opinions as much as everyone else and I feel it is important to set the record straight on issues and the people who make them.   That has been the historical purpose of this blog, providing information and, at times, having fun.  This is not one of those times where I am having fun, but I feel this one is important. 

Candidate David Singer loves the campaign spin - he has been hard at work attacking Council Member Tim Schaffer, attempting to paint him as "anti-Neighborhood protection" - but, while Singer may suddenly be wrapping himself with the flag of "neighborhood protection" in his campaign, he can't run from his prior attacks against "Neighborhood Protection" both the issue and personally against those who promoted it. I don't want to be accused of coloring his comments, so I will simply present them here, unedited (but for the areas set out in bold type for emphasis), for all to see. Each of you are entitled to your own opinions:

E-mail of May 14, 2014, David Singer, 'in his own words':

David Singer <dsinger@berkowitzdev*.com>   

To Mayor Shelley Stanczyk,  Joan Lindsay,  Patrick Fiore,  Meighan Alexander,  John DuBois,  and 9 more...

05/14/14 at 2:45 PM 

Tuesday night’s town hall meeting had the vigor of a Ku Klux Klan rally, only instead of mentioning African Americans, Jews or Gays, about two or three dozen local residents rallied in opposition to churches, schools, lights and traffic.  It was like watching a room full of Donald Sterling’s yelling “not in my neighborhood”.     

Those lights, those lights, they shine through my window when they’re on at night.  Sorry, what normal household doesn’t see their neighbor’s lights when they are on?   At times I have to close my blinds at night because my neighbor’s lights have a tendency to shine directly into my living room.  Such is life when you live in a community with neighbors. 

You want to complain about traffic, sell your car and take public transportation because you are part of the problem.  If you don’t want to sell your car, stop the whining.

The issue isn’t actually about lights or traffic, it’s about hate.  There are about 50 individuals who live in Palmetto Bay who just love to hate.  They hate churches, they hate schools, they hate kids, they hate laughter and they hate traffic (well who doesn’t). 

Two of those haters serve on the council and are up for reelection in November.   Mention Palmer Trinity and you can feel the hate leaching through their pores.   I actually believe “the hate” is probably the only thing keeping those two individuals alive.

Guess what, with the help of a councilwoman’s spouse they have now started conspiring how to take additional rights away from churches and schools because, as they repeat over and over again, they don’t pay into the tax base.  Councilwoman Joan Lindsay has said herself that those institutions don’t contribute to the community and she’s here to protect everyone’s quality of life.

Not to disagree with the Councilwoman but there is more to contributing to a community than paying Real Estate taxes.  Churches and schools serve a very important part in the foundation of society and the definition of quality of life is subjective.   Can you imagine some people actually can appreciate churches and schools and hearing children’s laugher?

Jerry Templer (husband of Councilwoman Joan Lindsey) has now proposed placing a Village Amendment on the November ballot which would prevent any lighting associated with outdoor activities at all churches and schools even though lighting is permitted at Village Parks and residential homes.    Doesn’t Mr. Templer’s proposal smack of discrimination?  

Mr. Templer’s explanation for the discrimination is that Village Parks are open to the general public and churches are exclusionary.    I may be incorrect but I didn’t realize churches were in the business to turn away parishioners.

Churches and schools are our neighbors that need protection as much as any individual resident.  Whether Joan Lindsay or Shelly Stanczyk care to admit it, they also contribute to our Village in a meaningful way.   The services they provide are vital to a healthy, prosperous community.    Our three remaining councilmembers, John Dubois, Tim Schaffer, and Patrick Fiore along with the remaining Village residents need to stand up and work together against these narcissistic individuals who stand against fair treatment of these institutions.   Surely as a community we are better than the narrow-mindedness of the vocal few who seem to make the most noise to protect their own interests while robbing others of their rights.

David Singer

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Please note that I added the bold for emphasis.

 

Now compare his 2014 comments with his (newly evolved?) comments concerning his former friend and ally, Tim Schaffer, that he published on August 8, 2016.  The allegations were made as part of what I contend are his campaign spin.  It is amazing how his opinions have flip/flopped.  Here is a sample from that 8/8/16 e-mail on why he is running against his (now former) friend:

Councilman Schaffer voted to repeal The Neighborhood Protection Ordinance (NPO) within the Palmetto Bay Village Charter.   As recently as four years ago, approximately sixty-five (65%) percent of Village residents voted to approve the NPO, which was passed to insure that residents were not unjustifiably affected by runaway development or its consequences within our Village.   The NPO includes what the developer’s responsibilities are during construction to protect surrounding neighborhoods.   Councilman Schaffer has not listened to their voices.

Candidate David Singer, in his own words.  Did you ever really believe that he was pro-"Neighborhood Protection"??? Vote for candidate David Singer may result in you electing the David Singer as contained in the May 14, 2014 e-mail.  Be careful. 

 

Any opinions expressed above are my own and not at the request of any political candidate.  E-mail posted above is a cut and paste verbatim from David Singer's own e-mail May 14, 2014 e-mail (JPEGs of the e-mail are posted below as well).