Introducing the CAVE People – Citizens Against Virtually Everything
February 11, 2007 – Some think that you could substitute Councilman or Commissioner for Citizen in the above phrase.
February 11, 2007 – Some think that you could substitute Councilman or Commissioner for Citizen in the above phrase. Unfortunately, Palm Coast suffers from the combination of a left-leaning Daytona press and the presence of a very vocal group of activists with few, or no, credentials and too much time on their hands.
For some reason I cannot understand, the CAVE people and some politicians have decided that the Ginn Company is the enemy. Examining two recent official decisions, one would think that the presence of a large developer in the area was something to be discouraged. Or do these people think it makes them seem more important by standing up to the big developer? First, the Tourist Development Council, chaired by Commissioner Jim Darby, blocked the initial $50,000 of Tourism Development Council funds requested to help promote Ginn Sports upcoming PGA Champions Tour event in March. They were swayed by a vocal minority attending the meeting. After hearing from several upset members of the majority and representatives from the Chamber of Commerce, they relented and approved the follow-up request for the remaining $100,000 (but the original $50,000 was gone forever). Meanwhile, the Ginn Company is spending $750,000 of their own funds to promote the tournament.
On Wednesday, February 7, the City Council considered a request from Ginn Sports to put its name on the city’s water tower to promote the Ginn Championship. Ginn proposed painting one side of the tower with “Palm Coast Home of PGA Tour of Champions.” The other side of the tower would say “Palm Coast Home of Ginn Championship Tournament.” At the end of the event, the logo would be painted over, but the rest would remain. Currently, the tower only says “Palm Coast.”
Members of the City Council were miffed that Ginn moved the tournament to the Ocean Hammock Club, which is not in the city, from the Conservatory, which is, even though the completed amenities at the recently acquired Ocean Hammock site make for a far better venue. Councilman Peterson was concerned about the lack of financial benefit to the city. Anyone who honestly believes that Palm Coast will not benefit greatly from this event has their head in the sand. Millions of dollars will flow into the local economy. The people spending the money will not ask if they are within the city limits or not. In addition, two charitable organizations will benefit from the tournament, Florida Hospital Flagler and the Stuart F. Meyer Hospice House. Both charities are in Palm Coast. Vice Mayor Netts concern was about precedent. A precedent had already been set with the denial of the first $50,000 of TCD funds. Now they have reinforced this with another bad decision (read precedent). A resident stated “You may as well give the city to (Ginn), the City should work for its residents.” – Another uninformed head in the sand. Credit should go to Mayor Canfield, and Councilwoman DiStefano who supported the plan.
If Bobby Ginn was a crook, which he is not, or the Ginn Company had a reputation for exploitation, which it doesn’t, we should be cautious. But Ginn is the area’s largest developer of quality communities. Ginn also launched the drive to develop the economic potential of the Flagler County Airport by constructing a corporate hanger facility there. In fact, he is one of the largest developers of resort and lifestyle communities in this hemisphere. Locals, both elected officials and residents, should take note of some things that Ginn has done near his other developments. In Charleston, SC, Ginn Clubs and Resorts purchased Morris Island, an historic and environmentally sensitive island in Charleston harbor, from another developer for $6.7 million. As part of the transaction, Ginn agreed to sell the island to the Trust for Public Land for $4.5 million, $2.3 million less than Ginn’s cost. In addition, Ginn Clubs and Resorts will donate an additional $500,000 for future planning and passive recreational amenities on the island. The full press release of this transaction follows this column. Note how the tone of the public official’s remarks are different from those of some our City Council members and CAVE residents. I’ve highlighted a few. As a resident of Charleston for 15 years, I have the the utmost respect for Mayor Joe Riley, one of the country’s most admired mayors (by both parties).
In a similar action, Ginn donated $3 million to the West End Foundation to aid the local community on Grand Bahama Island adjacent to his new Sur Mer resort development. Ginn will also donate a portion of every real estate transaction to the foundation. There will be over 6,000 transactions by the time this project is built out. The skeptics will call this a bribe. I call it smart business. So do the locals. Quoting the Bahamas Prime Minister, “My Government knew that Grand Bahama needed this development. So I sat down with Bobby Ginn and I said let’s make this work.”
Another example of CAVE colluding with the Daytona press occurred in December. Under the “Community Voices” banner in the editorial section, a local resident lamented the developer fostered growth of Flagler County. He complained about rising taxes. Well I did some homework. This individual resides a short walk from the beach in Flagler Beach, in a house worth well over $400,000. It is assessed for only $112,234. 2006 taxes on the property were only $1.409, but this was still less than either of the preceding three years. I wonder if he ever considered what his taxes would be without the explosive growth of the total area assessment over those years. Yet this blather goes unchallenged.
One common CAVE complaint revolves around the fact that Palm Coast has changed so much, and continues to grow. They want Palm Coast to stay just like it was the day they moved here. Palm Coast was planned to have 200,000 residents. This has been known since 1969. It currently has only 1/3 of that number. How can anyone be so naive as to think growth would stop just because they don’t want it? How would they feel if their spouse had the same illogical feelings about them? “When I married you, you were young and flat bellied. That’s why I married you. I didn’t want you to change” These same people complain about the lack of good restaurants and decent available shopping, but the people who are attracted to a Ginn development, or any of the many quality local developments, are exactly the people who will attract the good restaurants and shops.
A message to our elected officials – The best way to appear to be a leader is to find out which way the parade is going. Then get in front of it and pretend you are leading. Helping responsible developers fulfill the dream of the planners of Palm Coast and partnering with them to promote the qualities and advantages of this area can’t be a bad thing. Quoting the Prime Minister of the Bahamas, “Let’s make this work.”
Ginn Press Release (emphasis mine):
Agreement Would Protect Historic Morris Island (SC)
Contact:
David Agnew, TPL SC Advisory Council, Chair (843) 345-9599
Mayor Joseph P. Riley, Jr. City of Charleston (843) 577-4727
Ryan Julison, The Ginn Company (321) 377-6877
David Agnew, TPL SC Advisory Council, Chair (843) 345-9599
Mayor Joseph P. Riley, Jr. City of Charleston (843) 577-4727
Ryan Julison, The Ginn Company (321) 377-6877
Charleston, SC, 2/2/2006 – The Trust for Public Land (TPL), a national non-profit private land conservation organization with an office in Charleston, SC, today announced it has reached an agreement with Ginn Clubs & Resorts for the purchase of Morris Island. On Tuesday, Ginn Clubs & Resorts purchased the property for $6.8 million from an affiliate of the Yaschik Development Company. Ginn Clubs & Resorts has agreed to sell Morris Island to TPL for $4.5 million, which is $2.3 million less than its cost. In addition to the reduced sales price, Ginn Clubs & Resorts will also donate $500,000 for future planning and passive recreational amenities on the island.
The terms of the agreement provide a clear path to the preservation of Morris Island, a goal of conservation and historic preservation leaders for years. Any future development on the island will be prohibited. And public access and passive enjoyment of the island, balanced with the protection of the Island’s significant natural and historic features, will be assured. The first step, funded by Bobby Ginn, will pay for a thorough historical and archaeological assessment of the Island. Once TPL raises the $4.5 million purchase price called for in the agreement, this important national treasure will be preserved forever for all citizens to enjoy as a historic and recreational venue.
"This is truly an amazing day for the many people and organizations that have been working for so long for the preservation of Morris Island," says David Agnew, Chair of TPL’s South Carolina Advisory Council. "Morris Island is well-known for its historic attributes but it is also part of one of the largest undeveloped estuaries on the East Coast and a critical habitat for numerous migratory birds and several endangered species. Bobby Ginn has provided us with a generous and extraordinary opportunity, but our work is now just beginning. In the days ahead, we will be focused on assembling the necessary $4.5 million to buy the land from The Ginn Company."
"There has been a great deal of discussion and concern about the future of Morris Island these past few years. We believed there was a solution that would protect Morris Island and be fair to the owners of the land. From Mayor Riley to Bobby Ginn to TPL, we were all determined to find that solution. Bobby Ginn and his company’s generosity in giving this community a chance to preserve Morris Island is an important gift. I believe we all owe Mr. Ginn tremendous gratitude for making this moment possible," added Agnew.
Preserving Morris Island has been the subject of numerous news articles and editorials, one written by Charleston’s mayor, Joseph. P. Riley, Jr. who in one editorial called on government and community leaders to move quickly for preservation of Morris Island "as we may not be offered another chance to secure such an important local and national treasure."
"Considering what the island means to Charleston and her surrounding communities, Morris Island has to be preserved – ideally publicly owned and in its natural state," Mayor Riley said today. "Bobby Ginn has given us a golden opportunity to make good on our promise to save the island. I thank Bobby Ginn for his vision and his generosity. And I applaud the Trust for Public Land’s leadership in helping make this agreement a reality. I’m confident that with TPL’s help, and the help of the good people of Charleston, your elected officials, and organizations like the Civil War Preservation Trust, we will raise the money needed to preserve Morris Island for future generations. I have already spoken with a number of potential donors and the positive response has been overwhelming. We are going to make this happen."
Under the agreement announced today, The Trust for Public Land will have one year to raise an estimated $4.5 million dollars for the purchase of the Island. The organization plans to launch a major capital campaign, hoping to attract both public and private contributions. TPL will work closely with local and state entities, including the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources and others, to seek local, state, and federal funding. Also, in addition to the bargain sale price, Mr. Ginn will donate an additional $500,000 from the proceeds that will fund expenses related to the preservation of Morris Island. The first of these monies will fund a thorough historical and archaeological assessment of the island.
"The citizens of Charleston want to help preserve Morris Island," says Slade Gleaton, South Carolina state director for The Trust for Public Land. "Now we have our chance. Over the next several months, we will call upon local, state and federal agencies for their financial support, but we will also ask private citizens to contribute. Morris Island is a significant and visible reminder of our history as an important American community; and as a community, we are going to save it. Let’s celebrate this great moment and then get to work."
About Morris Island: Morris Island is a 126 acre uninhabited barrier island in Charleston Harbor, accessible only by boat. The island lies in the outer reaches of the harbor, and was thus a strategic location during the Civil War. The island was heavily fortified to defend the harbor, with the fortifications centered on Fort Wagner. It was the scene of heavy fighting during the Siege of Charleston, and is perhaps best known today as the scene of the last charge of the 54th Massachusetts Regiment, an African-American regiment. The regiment and its final charge were immortalized in the film Glory.
In the earliest charts of the region, what is now Morris Island was actually three separate islands – Middle Bay Island, Morrison Island, and Cummings Point. Another name associated with the island in the 1700s was Coffin Island. This name may have been linked to the use of the island as a burial ground for sick and contagious passengers arriving by ship. The name would have well suited the island during the Civil War when hundreds of soldiers, both North and South, were buried there. Around 1800 the shallow inlets were filled in and formed one long island that became known as Morris Island.
About TPL: The Trust for Public Land (TPL) is a national private non-profit land conservation organization that works to conserve land and historic landmarks for people. We have a national presence, with 55 offices, over 400 employees, and more than 550 volunteers working passionately to accomplish our mission. Since its inception in 1972, TPL has completed 3,011 projects in 43 states, protecting over 2 million acres of land with a fair market value (FMV) of more than $4 billion. In South Carolina alone, TPL has helped protect more than 15,000 acres. For more information, see www.tpl.org.
Right On
Thank you Toby so very much for pointing out the influence that the Daytona News Urnial tries to have on OUR community of Palm Coast. Not only do they try to influence every National, State and local election but they try to influence our local governments decision making. Keep up the great work. eddie.
Bobby Ginn
Bobby Ginn might be one of the best things that has ever happened to Palm Coast!
TDC
The \”TDC\” did not vote down the request for $50,000 for the Ginn Championship Golf Tournament. It was approved. It then went to the County Commissioners for radification. They voted it down for what ever reason.
The comment by Mr Peterson and Mr Netts as to pulling back the TDC funding when Ginn moved the tournament over to the Ocean Hammock Course because the funds was tax money paid by Palm Coasters.
Where are these two council members coming from? I am extremely disappointed that these two leaders of our city have no knowledge of where tax dollars are coming from and what they can and cannot be used for.
A tax, over and above the state and city sales tax is paid by tourist and guests at all overnight lodging establishments in Flagler County. These are guests and tourist to Flagler County. This tax is not paid at restaurants where locals eat or anywhere other than lodging.
These taxes are then returned to the county by the state to be used for promotion of tourism development.
Ginn Championship will certainly give the community and the TDC a great return on the investment driven by the lodging community.
All we can do is to try and keep educating our citizens. The TDC meets every third Wednesday in the new county facility at 9AM. Everyone is invited to attend.
Not Exactly Sure of Your Point
\\\”A message to our elected officials – The best way to appear to be a leader is to find out which way the parade is going. Then get in front of it and pretend you are leading. Helping responsible developers fulfill the dream of the planners of Palm Coast and partnering with them to promote the qualities and advantages of this area can’t be a bad thing. Quoting the Prime Minister of the Bahamas, “Let’s make this work.” \\\”
Is this really a definition of \\\”leader\\\”? Isn\\’t a lreal leader one who has vision and brings others to making that vision reality? By your definition we are left with much of the same problems we a riddled with, false leaders simply following the status-quo or playing the popularity contest.
Second, are there any local and public communications which you see as contributing to the growing population of what you call \\\”CAVE People\\\”? And are these CAVE People a reference to the citizens such as myself?
Alan M
Cave People
I’m rather confused about the remarks of Alan M., Who I presume is Alan M Peterson, City Councilman. He asks for a definition of CAVE people but your article is conceived on just this acronym. I know that Mr. Peterson sits in the City Council meeting bi-weekly and sees the same flow of \”citizens\” who complain and object to most everything. One of the most prime examples is a Mr. Full who is a self proclaimed \”Conservationist\” and friend of the wildlife. This is the same Mr. Full who was one of the early employees of ITT which came in to Flagler County and displaced the animals with the devastation of forest. Was it before or after his retirement when the monthly checks started in from ITT that he became such an advocate. Hypocrasy is not a virtue if you are running for elected office. I also wonder about the CAVE people who are against development and growth. I would ask the question, \”When did they get so against growth, before or after they bought their home in Palm Coast?\”
growth!!
when some people buy in palm coast they see woods next to their house and think it will stay like that forever. if their house is on a 1/4 acre lot chances are most others on the street are also. when people buy a home they should be giving a plat plan of the area showing all lots.if someone owns a lot they should be able to build on it. people do not do their homework and they they complain and blame it on the builders or big business. cary
Reply to Alan M
Again, thank you for your comments.
My editorial may not have been as clear as possible. What I meant was that the council was \”only looking like leaders\” because they were following the message of a few people who they think are a parade (of voters). I agree with your definition of leadership. Leaders will sit down with both sides and try to work things out rather than take the path of least resistance.
To your second point, I do think the News Journal slants the news to exaggerate the no-growth, environmental, and anti-developer views. This emboldens some citizens to be more vocal and participative in their dissent.