Lincolnville wins another victory, even with illegal gag order from City of St. Augusitne

Last night, dozens of American citizens were forbidden to speak out while ROGERS TOWERS lawyer Ellen Averyh Smith appealed for Maryland and Berumadan investors from the PZB's rejection of a 2 million cubic foot boat warehouse, 49 feet high, more than twice as tall as the Berlin Wall. The City's attorney, RONALD BROWN, did not defend the PZB's decision, leading to a bizarre appeal process in which only one side was represented. As a Congresswoman once said, "jusice may be bound but she is not gagged."

Commissioners voted 3-2 to ujphold their PZB. Showing a negative profile in courage were Vice Mayor and Commissioner DONALD CRICHLOW and ex-Mayhor GEORGE GARDNER. Actually voting against a speculator's unwise project were Mayor JOSEPH LEROY BLOES, JR., ex-Vice-Mayor SUSAN BURK and Commissioner ERROL JONES.

But for the presence of Lincolnville activists, City Commissioners would have done what they've usually done in these parts in the last ten years -- shill for developers.

Last night's victory, in which the January 2, 2008 PZB decision was upheld -- even in the face of an illegal gag order and aberrant pro-specualtor attitudes -- speaks volumes. The people are revolting! We're winning, too!

The whole city is up in arms at our lazy, unaccountable, reckless, feckless city govenrment. See letter below by Ms. Merrick.