Tuesday, January 08, 2008

Three wonderful victories begin 2008

Three wonderful victories begin 2008
Three wonderful victories began the New Year. See below.
First, St. Augustine City Planning and Zoning Board (PZB) voted to reject a 1-2 million cubic foot boat warehouse for Lincolnville, which would have blocked the sunsets and inflicted harm on an already dumped-on low-income and African American neighborhood.
Second, the St. Johns County Planning and Zoning Agency (PZA) rejected a massive nursing home.
Third, the SJC PZA rejected a massive equestrian development.
That was all before the New Year was one week old.
In each instance, city and county zoning board members have finally listened to the people, instead of oleaginous speculators (like Robert Michael Graubard and cronies).
Thank you.
Here in our Nation’s Oldest City, what RFK, Sr. called the “willful, heedless destruction of natural beauty and pleasures” must end – “it is not enough to allow dissent, we must demand it, for there is much to dissent from.”
Environmental racism and injustice must end.
Abuse of Lincolnville and West Augustine must end.
No toxicants will ever be taken back to Lincolnville.
All of the city’s illegal dumps must be cleaned up under the supervision, suzerainty and expertise of the EPA -- not a consulting company (GEOSYNTEC) hand-picked by the City’s law firm’s (AKERMAN SENTERFITT) -- a hand-picked litigation consultant, which has delayed a solution for almost two years while previously claiming Florida was too "conservatie" in regulating pollution.
The City of St. Augustine was called “the most lawless city in America” by Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. in 1964.
Now, almost 44 years later, it is time for change.
This is our time. This is our town. Those who have contempt for democracy and our environment must answer. That includes City Manager WILLIAM B. HARRISS, who must answer questions under oath.
Come to the meeting at St. Paul’s A.M.E. Church, 85 Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Blvd. starting at 6 PM Thursday, January 10, 2008.
Ask questions.
Demand answers.
Like any good diplomats, we won’t take no for an answer. Come early. Stay late.
Let the healing begin.

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