Editor’s note: The following letter was sent to members of the Loxahatchee Groves Town Council. A copy was sent to the Town-Crier for publication.
I am sending this to the council members I recognize. Just want to let the three sworn-in members receiving this e-mail about the phone call I just got. The question, which is brought to me constantly from individuals and Realtors is, “Does Loxahatchee Groves have an equestrian trail?”
This is an important question not only for possible future residents, but your friends and neighbors who are selling their properties. This council and the Loxahatchee Groves Water Control District are preventing the residents who need or want to sell their homes from getting the most and best price for their land. We live in an equestrian community (look on the property appraiser’s definition of agricultural-residential, it says “equestrian” on most). This council and the LGWCD have made it clear the fight for a safe place for the children and adults of this community to ride their horses is not a priority. Potential buyers that would purchase in Loxahatchee Groves are buying in Fox Trail, Deer Run and White Fences. Most of these buyers want to be in Loxahatchee Groves; we have unique and beautiful properties.
When the question comes up regarding the “trail system,” the only honest answer is F Road on the west side of the canal is the only open trail in Loxahatchee Groves. The fence that was put up by the LGWCD with Palm Beach County funds in 1999 makes the trail narrow and unsafe; people who live on the south side of Okeechobee Blvd. must brave traffic and ride quite a distance to get to the preserve.
In closing, you are doing nothing but hurting your friends, neighbors and possibly yourselves (you never know when life is going to change). Get the trails open! Please stop all private personal pet projects for which you have been spending the tax money belonging to the residents of this town. This council should cease and desist all activities of spending other than normal operations until this unsavory scandal is resolved. I am embarrassed by the arrogance of this council.
Just my opinion, as a resident, to the deaf ears of our council. In the future, stop using the trail system as a voting platform — you are looking like liars.
Thank you for your time and consideration of this important matter.
Phillis Maniglia, Loxahatchee Groves
