Wellington Equestrian Preservation Alliance Calls on Residents and Village Council to Closely Examine What the Equestrian Village Will Truly Mean for the Future of Wellington

WELLINGTON, Fla., Jan. 30, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Residents and equestrians have long cherished the serene and green lifestyle of Wellington.  The leaders of this community knew a long time ago that they wanted to protect the essence of Wellington's equestrian existence and created the Equestrian Preserve.  But now the Preserve is in jeopardy as a development group is asking the Village Council to drastically change the rezoning to allow a five story hotel, condos and retail shops. 

"Wellington is like no city in South Florida, but there is a developer that is seeking to turn this unique township into looking and feeling like every other city," said Mat Forrest, Executive Director of the Wellington Equestrian Preservation Alliance. 

"Do this developer and the Mayor want to change The Equestrian Preserve so drastically from a quiet equestrian village to a bustling, commercial city and begin to drive out all the equestrians?"

As the Tuesday, January 31st Village Council vote draws closer, many residents are calling into question whether they should be following a developer with questionable motives.  This developer has gained a reputation for being overly litigious, having multiple battles with local entities and even filing suit against the Village of Wellington, the same group that the developer now pleads to.  Plus, with all of the recent Palm Beach County scandals involving local mayors, many residents are starting to ask questions about the close relationship between the developer and the Mayor of Wellington. 

Recent lawsuits against the developer:

• April 2011: lawsuit was filed against the developer for conversion of property; civil theft; intentional infliction of emotional stress; and interference with an advantageous business relationship.  This lawsuit is pending.
• December 2010: lawsuit accused the developer of reclaiming fraudulent inducement, negligent misrepresentation, rescission, breach of contract, breach of duty of good faith, and deceptive and unfair trade practices.  Case is still pending.
• March 2007: developer was sued for violation of Interstate Land Sales Act, fraud, negligence, breach of contract, and deceptive and unfair trade practices.  Case was settled in January 2008.
• March 2006: developer sued for fraud (rescission); fraud (damages); breach of contract and breach of fiduciary duty.  This lawsuit is pending and unresolved in Palm Beach Circuit Court.

"This vote to rezone The Preserve and alter the comprehensive plan, if changed will no doubt change the look and feel of Wellington forever.  We are not against growth and development.  This project would look great attached to a main road, but not in The Preserve.  The sheer numbers of cars would pose a terrible risk to our area horses," added Forrest. 

"We are calling all concerned residents to attend Tuesday's 7pm Village Council Meeting in the Wellington City Hall, to express their distaste for this plan to the Village council members.  It's time to not only save the Equestrian Preserve but save the integrity of Wellington."

The Wellington Equestrian Preservation Alliance (www.wellingtonalliance.com) is group of concerned citizens fighting to enhance Wellington Florida's trademark Equestrian business and protect the local equestrian economy from over-development, rampant real estate speculation and shortsighted economic planning. Its mission is to support and preserve the integrity of the equestrian based economy in the Village of Wellington, Florida.

SOURCE Wellington Equestrian Preservation Alliance