The COASTAL STAR
November 2019
November 2018
News 3
Serving Hypoluxo Island, South Palm Beach, Manalapan, Ocean Ridge, Briny Breezes, Gulf Stream and Coastal Delray Beach
Ocean Ridge
Volume 11 Issue 11
South Palm Beach
Town delves into height of new condo Council to revisit issue after manager’s inspection differs with Jordan’s complaint By Dan Moffett
Oceanfront Park beach. From their back door, they can see a mangrove-rich lagoon sanctuary for a thriving array of wildlife. “Every morning I wake up to see the
South Palm Beach council members want to double-check measurements of the 3550 South Ocean condominium project to make sure it complies with the town’s building code. At issue are the structure’s height and the area set aside for green space on the site. Councilwoman Stella Gaddy Jordan says she is concerned that the building’s six stories above a garage exceed the town’s height limit and that the structure’s footprint does not preserve enough open space. “They’re both terribly incorrect,” Jordan said of the two code issues. A spokesperson for the developer says Jordan is mistaken. “3550 South Ocean has obtained all necessary approvals from the Town of South Palm Beach and is fully compliant with all regulations,” the spokesperson said. The councilwoman blames the town’s building official for not bringing changes in the project to the council for approval. She said she believes the developer, Manhattan-based DDG real estate investment group, and contractor KAST Construction did not adhere
See WELLINGTON ARMS on page 16
See 3550 on page 19
ABOVE: The pool at Wellington Arms, a gathering point for residents, looks out over the lagoon and mangroves to the west. The lagoon is home to manatees, manta rays and a variety of birds. BELOW: Judy and Harold Hollnagel secured their condo 50 years ago with a $100 deposit and call the area a paradise. Photos by Jerry Lower/ The Coastal Star
Residents fight to protect treasured lagoon Developer wants to build homes on submerged land behind Wellington Arms By Dan Moffett
Judy Hollnagel had a long and successful business career in Milwaukee, but she never made a better deal than the one she struck in Ocean Ridge during a Florida vacation back in 1968. Hollnagel heard about a condo project under construction across from Oceanfront Park and decided its prime location between the ocean and Intracoastal Waterway was worth an investment. “I put down $100,” she said. “That’s what things were going for back then. We’ve had a place here ever since.” The three concrete buildings with 49 units would become known as the Wellington Arms Condominiums. Judy
and Harold Hollnagel would become known as the first family of the close-knit condo community. From their third-floor bedroom window, the couple can look out and see the glistening Atlantic waters and the
Veterans Day
New president aims to expand Vets Helping Heroes
Former POW recalls his time in ‘Hanoi Hilton’ with late Sen. McCain
By Mary Hladky Although retired Air Force Lt. Col. Mel Pollack’s military service ended decades ago, his commitment to service and veterans has endured. Pollack was on his 78th combat mission flying an F-4 Phantom when he was shot down and captured by the North Vietnamese in 1967. He was imprisoned in the infamous “Hanoi Hilton”
with John McCain, then a Navy pilot, later a U.S. senator whose funeral services riveted the nation in late August and early September. Freed after 2,068 days as a prisoner of war, Pollack remained with the Air Force, retiring after 20 years of service. He then held various corporate positions and eventually moved from Delray Beach See POLLACK on page 22
Inside Ethics complaint Panel in Lantana mayor’s case finds probable cause. Page 11
Raise a glass!
Exploring the art of the toast for Thanksgiving. Page H1
Mel Pollack, John McCain in 2016.
Weighty tradition
‘Downton’ at CityPlace
Exhibit offers an inside look at PBS series. Page AT12
Vintage scales are synonymous with Publix. Page AT1
Family sells
Beachfront Delray hotel to close. Page 26