SUBSCRIBE

Greg Seidel to Run for Commission

by | Dec 22, 2014 | Election

Greg Seidel to Run for Commission

Commission Race Now Goes to Feb. 10 Primary


Greg SeidelGregory S. Seidel, Vice President of the Balmoral Group, a Winter Park-based civil engineering firm, has announced his intention to seek election to Winter Park Commission Seat #1, which is being vacated by mayoral candidate Steven Leary. 

February 10 Primary

By throwing his hat into the ring, Seidel throws the commission race into a February 10, 2015 primary. The primary election will determine one of two things. If one of the three candidates for the commission seat – Gary Brewer, Willow Shambeck or Greg Seidel – wins more than 51 percent of the vote, that candidate becomes the new commissioner. If no candidate wins more than 51 percent of the primary vote, the two candidates with the most votes will vie for the commission seat in the March 10 election.

Winter Park City Clerk Cindy Bonham and Greg Seidel both verified to the Voice Seidel’s intention to run.

No Word on Voter Registration or Absentee Ballot Deadlines

The Orange County Board of Elections was closed Friday and so could not be reached for comment on the effect the February 10 primary will have on voter registration deadlines or the mailing of absentee ballots. The Voice will make this information available when business resumes on Monday, January 5.

Seidel: Strong Engineering Background

Seidel has more than 23 years of experience in engineering with a focus on stormwater management. His experience also includes stormwater management design for major and minor roadways, reservoir design, flood mapping, roadway project management, water distribution design and wastewater collection design.

Seidel earned his Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering and his Master of Science in Civil Engineering, Hydraulics and Hydrology from Lehigh University. He serves as chair of the Winter Park Utility Advisory Board.

Campaign Treasurer’s Reports can be found on the City of Winter Park website athttp://cityofwinterpark.org/government/city-info/election-info/financial-reports/.

To comment or read comments from others, click here →

P&Z Nixes Assisted Living Facility

by | Dec 9, 2014 | Zoning and Development

P&Z Nixes Assisted Living Facility

Building Too Big for the Pumpkin Patch

On December 2, the Planning & Zoning Board met before a standing-room-only crowd of St. John’s Lutheran Church parishioners and other Winter Park neighbors to hear the application of Sentio Investments LLC to build a 73,000 square foot Assisted Living Facility (ALF) on 1.88 acres fronting 17-92. The vacant acreage hosts the Halloween pumpkin sale each year and is known locally as the Pumpkin Patch.

St. John’s Faces Hard Times

In recent years, St. John’s has fallen on hard times financially and is facing the necessity to sell the adjacent land facing Hwy 17-92. According to City Planning Manager Jeff Briggs, the ALF proposed by Sentio, “per square foot, for the property it’s on, would be the largest building, at 90 percent floor area ratio, [on the entire Winter Park section of the] 17-92 corridor.”

Winter Park resident Wendy Anderson, President of the St. John’s Church Council, told P&Z that the church has “a very large mortgage which we frankly cannot afford. If we cannot sell this property, there is a good likelihood that St. John’s will close its doors.”

“No More Monsters”

Many residents of the Mead Gardens community were present to oppose the project. One concern was the amount of cut-through traffic, which would be added to traffic already clogging the area as a result of commuter rail and the density of development along both 17-92 and Denning. Another concern was the sheer size of the proposed building, which far exceeded anything currently allowed under the existing zoning.

Using the location to build a facility for assisted living and memory care did not pose much of an issue. Though church spokesmen said the use would be compatible with the mission of the church, they acknowledged that the proposed ALF was a for-profit enterprise and was in no way faith-based.

Residents Speak Out

Winter Park resident Sara Brady spoke for many of her neighbors when she stated that while they were not opposed to development or to the church selling the land, “We want smart, compatible development.” 

P&Z Denial Unanimous

When the chairman closed the floor for public comment, P&Z Board Member Peter Weldon spoke first.  He said he respected the situation in which the church found itself. However, “What’s before us is not the condition of the church,” he said, but questions of land use policy. He stated that he would not be opposed to a similar project at that location, but one that was much smaller. “I’m going to vote no,” he concluded.

Board Member Tom Sacha pointed out that over preceding months, P&Z has set a precedent with other developers who came before them asking to put large structures on land previously zoned for low-density single family dwellings. P&Z has denied those developers on grounds that if they acquired land with a particular zoning, the new projects should fit within the existing zoning. Sacha, too, voted against the Sentio proposal.

The rest of the board members followed suit, and Sentio’s request failed on a unanimous No vote.

To comment or read comments from others, click here →

Kenneth F. Murrah

by | Dec 6, 2014 | News

Kenneth F. Murrah

January 19, 1933 – December 5, 2014

 

Leadership and service marked a life of accomplishment for Kenneth F. Murrah, who succumbed to prostate cancer on December 5, 2014.

Kenneth was the quintessential Southern gentleman, with a distinctive accent formed during his youth in Chipley (now Pine Mountain), Georgia. Kenneth moved to Winter Park in 1944. He expressed his affection for this town through service on the City Commission and the Parks and Recreation Board and by his many personal contributions.

City Historian

His Winter Park history presentations before various community organizations earned him the de facto title of City Historian. He loved learning about the people who had made a difference in this town and, in the process, Kenneth became one of them.

Valued Education

Kenneth appreciated his fine education and generously supported the institutions that provided it. Valedictorian of the Winter Park High School class of 1951, he was one of the founders of the school’s Foundation. In 1998 he initiated an annual celebration at the Winter Park Public Library honoring each year’s valedictorians and their families. He endowed a fund to continue the tradition.

“Mr. Emory”

In gratitude for the scholarships that made it possible for him to graduate from both the College and Law School at Emory University, he contributed funds each year that enabled other young people to enjoy that opportunity. His volunteer service to Emory was recognized both with the law school’s Distinguished Alumnus Award and the J. Pollard Turman Award for exceptional alumni service.  Kenneth’s undergraduate leadership positions included President of his fraternity and Student Body President.

Loyal ATO

His Alpha Tau Omega fraternity provided a lifetime of friendships. He showed his appreciation by endowing college scholarships and LeaderShape training for ATOs, both at Emory and at Florida chapters. He assisted in founding the University of Central Florida ATO chapter and served on the board of the ATO National Foundation.

Distinguished Attorney

Kenneth established his law practice in Winter Park in 1963, focusing on estates and trusts. With support from longtime partners Patrick Doyle and Bruce Wigle, and from devoted staff, Kenneth helped people plan secure futures for themselves. The firm provided broad services to many widows and widowers who had no families to help them. In July 2014, Kenneth recruited a talented young partner, David Torre, to help carry on the firm’s work. Kenneth loved his work and could never imagine retirement. He worked on behalf of others to the end of his life.

Lifelong Methodist

Kenneth supported the First United Methodist Church of Winter Park and served on the Board of Trustees. As managing trustee of the Susan H. Marcy Trust, he initiated a number of innovative grants to strengthen the church. For over 35 years, he also participated on the district New Church Development Board.

Civic Leader

A passion for fairness and a devotion to community put Kenneth at the forefront of many civic efforts. The list of task forces on which Kenneth served is a long one. Among the most important were the Bi-Racial Commission in the early 1960s — predating the 1964 Civil Rights Act — Central Park, City Charter, and Commuter Rail. He also helped raise funds to furnish the Rachel D. Murrah Civic Center, named in honor of his late wife. He garnered funds to develop Shady Park, promoted a bond referendum to purchase the city golf course, and supported a referendum to build the new public safety building.

He served on the boards of Hospice of Central Florida, the Winter Park Chamber of Commerce, the Central Florida Foundation, the Holocaust Center, Meals on Wheels, the Gardens at DePugh, and the Winter Park Advisory Committee to the Central Florida Foundation.

Kenneth and Rachel, his wife from 1957 until her death in 2000, and his second wife, Ann Hicks, all demonstrated their appreciation for the Winter Park Public Library through  service on its board and support of its fundraisers. Honoring Rachel‘s love of reading, Kenneth established a memorial endowment to purchase works of fiction.

Cultural Leader

Arts and other cultural organizations were a priority for Kenneth. He generously supported the Orlando Philharmonic Orchestra (OPO) and Rollins’ Cornell Fine Arts Museum. He was honored to receive the OPO’s John O. Blackburn Distinguished Service Award in 2013. Kenneth was the kind of board member most valued by non-profits.  He attracted new friends and funds. He gave generously of time, talent, and resources. He prepared diligently for meetings and posed important — if sometimes challenging — questions.

Lifelong Democrat

Kenneth’s connection with the Democratic party dates back to his childhood, when President Roosevelt made frequent visits to nearby Warm Springs, where Kenneth saw him driving his car equipped with hand controls. As an adult Kenneth supported candidates who worked for public education and women’s rights. He was appointed to the Florida Elections Commission by Governor Lawton Chiles. Locally, he served as the treasurer for three candidates for the City Commission.

Devoted Family Man

One key to Kenneth’s ability to give back to his community was the support of his family. For 43 years he was the loving husband of Rachel, mother of his sons Ken and Bert (d. 1990). Since 2002 Ann Hicks has been his fortunate partner not only in civic affairs, but also in world travel. Kenneth especially loved time with Ken Jr.’s family in Ponte Vedra, watching Jack, Kenny, and MacLain grow up, and, with Ann, providing sideline support for Jack’s baseball, football, and lacrosse games.

Memorial Service January 4, 2015

A celebration of Kenneth’s life will take place at the First United Methodist Church of Winter Park on January 4, 2015, at 4:00 p.m., preceded by music from members of the Orlando Philharmonic Orchestra at 3:30, and followed by a reception in the Family Life Center. Friends are encouraged to follow his example of generosity by making a contribution to the OPO Plaza renovation fund, the Winter Park Library new building fund, the Cornell Museum exhibits fund, or your preferred non-profit organization.

 

 

Note:  The Comments section has been restored to its previous format. Thank you for your patience during our technical difficulties. Click the link above and tell us what’s on your mind.

To comment or read comments from others, click here →

Change in Development Rule Likely

by | Nov 21, 2014 | Zoning and Development

Change in Development Rule Likely

Downtown Core and Wetlands at Risk

 

4_hands_300x140.fw

Comes now a tale, wonky and dry as a bone, about a seemingly simple piece of bureaucracy that could forever alter the face of Winter Park. You may want to wade through these words to find out how Monday’s vote could affect the city.

 

Rules Change Proposed for Downtown & Wetlands Development

City commissioners appear poised to change the rules for approving buildings in wetlands and in the core of downtown. A commission hearing at 3:30 p.m. Monday will consider eliminating the current requirement of a 4-1 super-majority vote to allow downtown and wetlands development, reducing the requirement to a simple majority of 3-2 votes.

The proposed change may appear minor compared to votes on looming projects such as the huge Ravaudage development. Arguably, however, it could have long-term effects.

Vote Requirement Change from 4-1 to 3-2

If it is approved, developers who want to build three-story buildings downtown would need to win over only three commissioners instead of four. The same would hold true for someone wanting to build in the city’s floodplain between Lake Sue and Lake Virginia and those north of Lake Maitland. The current city commission often votes 3-2 in favor of development, with Mayor Ken Bradley and Commissioners Steve Leary and Sarah Sprinkel voting in the majority.

Historically, Winter Park has held the line on tall buildings and wetlands construction. The super-majority requirement was a safeguard to ensure that proposals for downtown and wetlands developments have broad community support.

City Staff: Change Would Bring ‘Consistency’ 

Most of the current commissioners, however, have little love for 4-1 votes. It stripped most of them from its books after City Attorney Larry Brown issued an opinion that they conflicted with the city charter. Brown said a better way to handle concerns about development would be to word land-use policies more strongly. No such stronger language is under consideration, however.

Left on the books at the time were the requirements for 4-1 votes dealing with wetlands and downtown. Brown said those conditional-use votes did not conflict with the charter. But at the October 13 commission meeting, City Planner Jeff Briggs said their removal would bring “consistency” to the code.

Cooper: “There May Be Times a 4-1 Vote is Desirable”

Most commissioners said they liked that idea, but Commissioner Carolyn Cooper opposed it because she said there may be times a four-vote majority is desired. As a compromise, Commissioner Tom McMacken proposed toughening those reviews by increasing the number of public hearings required from one to two. 

P&Z Shoots Down McMacken Compromise

The Planning & Zoning board, however, on October 28 unanimously recommended against that change. Advisory board members said two hearings would run “counter to the city’s desire to streamline the development review process” and would delay some requests. 

 

Mayoral Candidates: Lukewarm Toward Super-majority Votes

In interviews with the Voice, neither Cynthia Mackinnon nor Commissioner Steve Leary, the two candidates in the current mayoral race, expressed enthusiasm for super-majority votes. Mackinnon noted they “are relatively rare,” but added she was “not in favor doing a bunch of piecemeal changes” related to land use before the city finishes its upcoming visioning process. “To me, the best approach to any changes in the code is to finish the visioning first,” she said.

Commissioner Leary dismissed the idea that a simple majority vote could make it easier for development to occur in wetlands and downtown. “It’s never as simple as, if you’re doing this, you’re making it easier,” he said. “I don’t believe it’s going to be an issue.”

Monday’s vote is the first of two. The second and final hearing on whether to eliminate the super-majority vote is likely to be held in December.

 

Note:  The Comments section has been restored to its previous format. Thank you for your patience during our technical difficulties. Click the link above and tell us what’s on your mind.

To comment or read comments from others, click here →

WP Election Slate Keeps Growing

by | Nov 19, 2014 | Election

WP Election Slate Keeps Growing

Commercial Realtor to Oppose Brewer for Commission Seat #1

Winter Park’s election may be four months away, but community interest in the two open seats is heating up.  Four eager candidates already have filed to run – more than a month before the official qualifying period even begins.

 

Shambeck to Oppose Brewer

In the latest filing, Willow Shambeck, president of Cursor Realty Commercial, a commercial real estate brokerage in Winter Park, on Nov. 10 declared her intention to run for the commission seat that will be vacated when Commissioner Steve Leary resigns to run for mayor. 

Commission Seat #1 is also being sought by former city commissioner and mayor Gary Brewer, an independent consultant and former president of the Winter Park Chamber of Commerce.

Mackinnon vs. Leary for Mayor

Running against each other for mayor are Commissioner Steve Leary and long-time city resident Cynthia Mackinnon. Leary, who will resign his commission seat to run, is vice-president of Leary Management Group, which handles property management, sales and maintenance. Mackinnon is a retired 9th Judicial Circuit Court judge.

High Dollar Campaigns

This election promises to be a high dollar one. With their early filings, all four candidates have an early start on fundraising. Because she filed prior to October 31, Mackinnon alone had to declare her contributions in the first reporting period. The $77,100 she declared in her initial report exceeds the $65,200 that outgoing mayor Ken Bradley raised over his entire last campaign.

Candidates can submit their remaining qualifying paperwork beginning December 29 at noon. The final deadline to enter the race is noon of January 6, 2015.

 

Shambeck Announcement

Brewer Announcement

Brewer Treasury Filing

Leary – October Treasury Report

Mackinnon – October Treasury Report

To comment or read comments from others, click here →