Dear Mayor and Town Council Members,

 

The Palm Beach Civic Association urges you not to place the Preserve Palm Beach referendum on the ballot until you are sure that it meets all legal tests.  Please resolve the issues raised by the town attorney before you subject the community to this contentious proposal.

 

As you know, this referendum is not really about landmarking. It is about protecting the Royal Poinciana Playhouse. The proposition would alter our most fundamental town document, our Town charter, to shield one single building. 

 

We believe this controversial referendum will tear our Town apart.   It will pit neighbor against neighbor in a destructive, “take no prisoners” battle over the Royal Poinciana Playhouse.  Candidates will campaign and residents will cast their votes not to improve landmarking but to save or remove a theater.

 

We appeal to you to hold off on this referendum if you can.  Do not subject this community to another knock-down, drag-out public fight over the Poinciana Playhouse unless it is absolutely necessary.

 

Sincerely,

 

Ned Barnes