Regrettably I cannot attend the January 15, 2025 Town Council meeting. Were I able to I would voice my STRONG support for the Palm Beach Synagogue’s expansion plan the Council is now considering and will vote on.
1. My wife and I are the owners of a unit in 100 Sunrise Ave., the Sun & Surf. We are also members of PBS.
2. Though the PBS original expansion plan as presented to Palm Beach officials had no demonstrable adverse impact on the neighborhood within which it is located, PBS made modifications and use restrictions in an attempt to mollify objections from a group of objectors who claim to represent a “consortium” of condominium associations. Despite significant PBS modifications the objectors continue to oppose the limited PBS expansion. In sharp contrast, the PBS expansion is not opposed by its closest neighbors and churches, the ones who would surely object if their interests were in any way adversely affected. That is an undeniable fact.
Importantly, those who claim to speak for a so-called “consortium” of condominium associations really lack the authority to do so. Without ascertaining whether unit owners in the individual associations support or oppose the PBS petition to the Town Council, directors of neighboring condominium associations do not have the authority to argue -whatever their personal views may be- that they represent individual unit owners whether they agree or disagree with their position. I for one, and I know many others, have not authorized the Sun & Surf directors to oppose this PBS zoning matter on my behalf or speak for the Association in this matter.
It would be a big surprise if individual condominium unit owners at significant distances from PBS would or could assert meaningful objections to the PBS plan or authorized their directors to do so. Moreover any “resolution” adopted by a few owners, whether they are officers of nearby condominium associations or not, cannot bind other owners who do not agree with their position.
To be sure every Palm Beach citizen can support or oppose a petition seeking approval of the Town Council. We endorse that right.
3. On the merits, the PBS petition represents both an extraordinary accomplishment and reason for celebration. In the climate of challenge faced by religious institutions of all faiths PBS, under inspired leadership, is thriving. Now, thankfully, 30 years after its founding, it simply needs more room to meet the religious, educational and social demands of its members and friends and those who wish to benefit from its remarkable programming. Contrary to what objectors may claim, there has been no persuasive showing that PBS growth and use in any way imposes a burden on Palm Beach, whether the concern is traffic, parking, or anything else. Disinformation circulated by opponents of the PBS plan indeed underscores the weakness of their effort.
4. Finally, it is troublesome that in order to overcome the vocal opposition of a few individuals PBS has been asked to concede some of its right to the unrestricted exercise of its religious practices, namely how many congregants it can accommodate and how many children it can teach. The freedom PBS demands is at the core of the American values that our fellow citizens fought and died for. No religious institution in Palm Beach or elsewhere should be asked to yield or limit its religious practices to quiet those who oppose a justified, valid and eminently reasonable application for a zoning variance. To be clear, PBS’s constitutionally protected freedom of religion is sacrosanct and this Town Council should protect it.
Thank you for your consideration of this letter.
Marc S. Moller
100 Sunrise Ave. (605E)
Palm Beach, FL 33480
Sent from my iPhone
Date: January 12, 2025
To: Members of the Palm Beach Town Council
Subject: Re: Palm Beach Synagogue Variance Petition
Regrettably I cannot attend the January 15, 2025 Town Council meeting. Were I able to I would voice my STRONG support for the Palm Beach Synagogue’s expansion plan the Council is now considering and will vote on.
1. My wife and I are the owners of a unit in 100 Sunrise Ave., the Sun & Surf. We are also members of PBS.
2. Though the PBS original expansion plan as presented to Palm Beach officials had no demonstrable adverse impact on the neighborhood within which it is located, PBS made modifications and use restrictions in an attempt to mollify objections from a group of objectors who claim to represent a “consortium” of condominium associations. Despite significant PBS modifications the objectors continue to oppose the limited PBS expansion. In sharp contrast, the PBS expansion is not opposed by its closest neighbors and churches, the ones who would surely object if their interests were in any way adversely affected. That is an undeniable fact.
Importantly, those who claim to speak for a so-called “consortium” of condominium associations really lack the authority to do so. Without ascertaining whether unit owners in the individual associations support or oppose the PBS petition to the Town Council, directors of neighboring condominium associations do not have the authority to argue -whatever their personal views may be- that they represent individual unit owners whether they agree or disagree with their position. I for one, and I know many others, have not authorized the Sun & Surf directors to oppose this PBS zoning matter on my behalf or speak for the Association in this matter.
It would be a big surprise if individual condominium unit owners at significant distances from PBS would or could assert meaningful objections to the PBS plan or authorized their directors to do so. Moreover any “resolution” adopted by a few owners, whether they are officers of nearby condominium associations or not, cannot bind other owners who do not agree with their position.
To be sure every Palm Beach citizen can support or oppose a petition seeking approval of the Town Council. We endorse that right.
3. On the merits, the PBS petition represents both an extraordinary accomplishment and reason for celebration. In the climate of challenge faced by religious institutions of all faiths PBS, under inspired leadership, is thriving. Now, thankfully, 30 years after its founding, it simply needs more room to meet the religious, educational and social demands of its members and friends and those who wish to benefit from its remarkable programming. Contrary to what objectors may claim, there has been no persuasive showing that PBS growth and use in any way imposes a burden on Palm Beach, whether the concern is traffic, parking, or anything else. Disinformation circulated by opponents of the PBS plan indeed underscores the weakness of their effort.
4. Finally, it is troublesome that in order to overcome the vocal opposition of a few individuals PBS has been asked to concede some of its right to the unrestricted exercise of its religious practices, namely how many congregants it can accommodate and how many children it can teach. The freedom PBS demands is at the core of the American values that our fellow citizens fought and died for. No religious institution in Palm Beach or elsewhere should be asked to yield or limit its religious practices to quiet those who oppose a justified, valid and eminently reasonable application for a zoning variance. To be clear, PBS’s constitutionally protected freedom of religion is sacrosanct and this Town Council should protect it.
Thank you for your consideration of this letter.
Marc S. Moller
100 Sunrise Ave. (605E)
Palm Beach, FL 33480
Sent from my iPhone