Received via email 5.31.24:
Dear Town Council and Mayor Moore,
We the residents of Park Ave appreciate the re-hearing of the proposed project at the June 12 meeting concerning our peaceful parks on our residential street. It appears at this time that we are all against the loss of any green-space and the addition of any fixed structures, walls or paving. We all enjoy the safety, beauty and openness the parks provide. The north park at 247 Park Ave is over 100 years old and is in our original Town Charter and its neighboring park across the way at 240 has been in existence for the last 15 years. Most of us agree that the parks are viewed together as one, and any alterations like the ones proposed need a "referendum election" as seen below. We have also requested a full ARCOM review of the project, but have not seen it on their agenda as of yet.
Once again we want to thank the anonymous donor for their proposed gift to the town, and we are sure there are many other worthy uses for the funds. Our open green-space parks are easily well maintained, safe and enjoyed by all the residents and visitors alike. The utility easements and transformer additions are obviously required and welcomed by all. Thank you all once again for a job well done and hoping you all agree to preserve whatever precious space we have left.
Sincerely,
Patrick & Lisa McGowan
251 Park Ave.
Palm Beach
Sec. 1.03. - Sale of Property; Referendum Required.

Received via email 6.3.24:
Dear Members of the Town Council:
I am a permanent resident of Palm Beach and an abutter to the proposed park improvements. I previously submitted comments back in April of 2024. I am not available to the public hearing on June 12, 2024, but submit my public comments as follows:
Our building is one of the few nationally recognized landmark structures in Palm Beach by the National Historic Trust. Given the unique historical significance of our building and its abutting boundary to the proposed park enhancements, I encourage the Town Council to consider the following modifications to the proposed plans:
Analysis of Current Plans
1. Dense Vegetative Plantings:
o Various species of palms, bushes, and ground covers are densely planted.
o Clusters of trees and plants occupy significant space, leading to a more enclosed feeling.
2. Site Walls and Benches:
o There are multiple benches and low site walls scattered throughout.
o These features, while providing seating and structure, contribute to the clutter.
3. Functional Elements:
o Elements such as fountains, transformers, and communication pedestals take up space but are necessary.
Proposed Changes for More Open Space
1. Remove or Reduce Vegetation:
o Eliminate or significantly reduce the number of small shrubs and ground covers.
o Retain larger trees like the palms but space them out more to create a more open canopy.
2. Eliminate Non-Essential Walls:
o Remove the 3' height site walls with aluminum rail inserts to open visual and physical space.
o If barriers are necessary, use low vegetative borders instead of walls.
3. Optimize Bench Placement:
o Reduce the number of benches and place them more strategically to avoid clutter.
o Cluster benches around focal points like the fountain to create social spaces without scattering seating throughout the park.
4. Maintain Essential Functional Elements:
o Keep necessary elements like the existing dog fountain, proposed transformers, and communication pedestals but integrate them into less obtrusive locations, hidden within denser plantings on the periphery. The transformer is located next to our easement and back alley. This is a potential obstruction for larger vehicles such as a fire truck during an emergency or a larger construction vehicle to turn into the back alley. Re-site the transformer away from the corner.
5. Open Lawn Areas:
o Increase the size of open lawn areas by reducing the density of planting beds around them.
o These open spaces can be used for various activities and provide a more spacious feel.
6. Simplify Plant Species:
o Limit the variety of plant species to create a more uniform and less visually cluttered appearance.
o Use larger plants like the sabal palms as focal points rather than numerous smaller plants.
7. Use Available Expertise:
ARCOM has skilled board members who have architectural and design backgrounds. Similarly, the Garden Club had a significant impact on the improved design and layout of Bradley Park. Use their expertise to improve the current plan and achieve better results.
Visualization of Proposed Layout Changes
To provide a clear visualization of these changes, here is a simplified outline based on the existing plan:
1. Remove Sections:
o Identify and remove specific clusters of small plants and shrubs, especially those that are densely packed together.
2. Redesign Bench and Path Layout:
o Relocate benches to be near key features but with more spacing in between.
o Ensure paths are clear and lead to open spaces without unnecessary barriers.
3. Expand Open Areas:
o Widen lawn sections by reducing peripheral plantings.
o Maintain key trees but ensure they do not overly shade these open areas.
Thank you for your attention to this matter, and I look forward to your thoughtful consideration.
Very truly yours,
Martin J. O’Malley