JCC Grand Opening Draws Hundreds

District 1 Commissioner Scott Boyd addressing the crowd at the JCC Grand Opening ceremony. He paid special tribute to Harris Rosen for his philanthropic efforts on behalf of the entire community.


Rick with Melissa and Caroline at the Grand Opening ceremony.

New JCC Opens in Dr. Phillips

Friends--The Jack and Lee Rosen Campus JCC had a "soft-opening" in early August. The architecture, designed by Helman Hurley's Mike Chatham, is iconic. At 34,000 square feet, it's larger than I ever advocated, and the inside is nicer than I ever imagined. Harris Rosen and his construction superintendent, Daniel Guttierez, made sure it got done right.

The gym floor "floats," cushioning shock on the knees. Above you'll find a photo of probably the first-ever documented basketball game at the new JCC, within hours of the doors opening. Having grown-up shooting baskets at the old JCC in Cincinnati, it was wonderful to see the kids running out there and grabbing basketballs.

The JCC's crown jewel--and the reason I became fundraising co-chair with Val Denner in 2003--is the award-winning preschool. No longer housed in trailers, our smallest children now have a school facility worthy of the community. Special thanks to the Dr. Phillips Foundation for the infant and toddler rooms.

The Darden Food Pantry will help families of all faiths who find themselves in short-term, urgent need, as a result of illness, divorce, job loss, or other unexpected event. Special thanks to Patty DeYoung and the board of directors of the Darden Foundation.

The JCC is open to the entire community.

Rick

County Commission Unanimously Passes Horizon West Code

ORLANDO, June 2 - The Orange County Commission unanimously approved sweeping revisions to the Horizon West Village Code. The Commissioners adopted the ordinance 7-0 on a motion by Commissioner Scott Boyd, seconded by Commissioner Mildred Fernandez.
Planning and Zoning Commissioner Rick Geller spoke in favor of adoption. Afterwards, Geller said, "This ordinance will hopefully make it possible for Horizon West to look more like Baldwin Park and less like suburban sprawl."
The new Village Code contains new provisions intended to improve the architecture and layout of Horizon West neighborhoods. The Code closed a loophole allowing front-loaded garages with little setback.

The new code does not increase residential density, which was set by Special Area Plans, some adopted in the late 1990s. The new Code reduces Neighborhood Center business districts from four to two acres. Mixed use development, with dwellings over retail is encouraged.

County Commission Votes 7-0 to Move Magic Gym

ORLANDO, April 29--The Orange County Commissioners voted 7-0 on a motion by District 1 Commissioner Scott Boyd to begin negotiations with the City of Winter Garden to relocate the Orlando Magic Gym.

The City of Winter Garden committed to paying $900,000 for site preparation. This will save Orange County taxpayers at least $1 million, including $100,000 needed to remediate lead at the Dr. Phillips site, formerly a gun club. Dr. Phillips leader Robert Kelly spoke of the community's desire not to host the Magic Gym in a single family residential neighborhood.

Orange County Parks official Matt Sudemeyer recommended the Winter Garden location. The Winter Garden location is near the 429 beltway, making it accessible to a larger portion of West Orange County. Officials expect the Winter Garden location to serve more children, in nearby lower income neighborhoods, who otherwise do not have regular access to YMCA-type facilities.

The County and City will negotiate a joint use agreement.

Rick Geller's comments: This is a win-win for Dr. Phillips, Winter Garden, and Commissioner Boyd, who is making it happen.

New Horizon West Code On Way to Commission

Classic Summerport Home--no garage in front

ORLANDO, April 18 - Orange County's Planning and Zoning Board unanimously approved sweeping changes to the Horizon West Code in an attempt to steer development back to the original vision. The County Commission will consider the new Code for final adoption.

Instead of development along the lines of that seen in Baldwin Park, Avalon Park, or Celebration, development in Horizon West has mostly followed the suburban sprawl model, with isolated single-uses, according to District 1 Planning and Zoning Commissioner Rick Geller. "Development has taken on some characteristics of New Urbanism--small lots for example--but without enough mixing of uses."

The new Code provides incentives to developers and builders to: (1) construct a small corner general store in neighborhood centers to lessen traffic outside of neighborhoods; (2) serve more homes with alleys or side-entry garages to lessen the number of front-entry garages; and (3) dress up stormwater retention ponds with trees, pathways, park benches, reflecting pools, and other amenities.

Entrance to Independence

The new Code encourages the mixing of uses--with apartments over offices and retail, like that seen in Avalon Park.

Mixing uses creates character--Avalon Park apartments over retail

One of the more disappointing aspects of Horizon West has been suburban-style, single-use apartment sprawl, said Geller. The new Code brings apartment buildings to the street in block formations, with parking both on-street and hidden behind buildings, like in the Baldwin Park Town Center, with more architectural variety.

Apartment sprawl in Horizon West

"Post Properties REIT did it right in Baldwin Park," said Geller. "Seventeen buildings scattered about the Town Center, none looking the same."

Post Lake Apartments at Baldwin Park -- 17 Scattered Buildings with Different Architecture

The County faced economic pressures to place neighborhood commercial areas on the arterial roadways, instead of in the center of neighborhoods. The result, according to Geller, is a less walkable neighorhood. "No one will walk a half-mile from the Altis Apartments along C.R. 535 to the Subway up by Chase Road," said Geller. "We need to do a better job of locating commercial uses where they're in easy walking distance from where people live, in an attractive Main Street setting, and not across a highways."

Baldwin Park Town Center--pedestrian oriented and within walking distance of numerous homes, condominiums, and apartments, including those on the top floors

Lake Burden Neighborhood Center in Horizon West--isolated by wetlands and eight lanes of highway

Preserving Gotha's Tree Canopy

ORLANDO, Jan. 15--During his first meeting as District 1's Planning and Zoning Board Commissioner, Rick Geller moved to preserve the tree canopy over a five acre parcel in Gotha slated for upscale homes on acre lots. "The tree canopy is an important part of Gotha's character," said Geller. On Geller's motion, seconded by Commissioner Roberts, the Planning and Zoning Board unanimously directed the preservation of "specimen trees" in the north and east property setbacks, which face other residential property owners, while "[o]ther trees on the property shall be preserved to the extent possible to maintain the existing tree canopy."

Geller succeeded Paul Wean as District 1's Planning and Zoning Board Commissioner as an appointee of Orange County Commissioner Scott Boyd.

After the hearing, Geller said, "Commissioner Boyd and I never again want to see another Sienna Gardens in Gotha, where the developer destroys all the magnificent oak trees."

Orange Commissioner Taps Campaign Foe for Growth Spot

From the OrlandoSentinel.com:

posted by David Damron on Dec 16, 2008 9:29:35 AM

Freshman Orange County Commissioner Scott Boyd is poised to tap his fall political opponent Rick Geller to sit as his representative on the influential planning and zoning commission today.

That growth panel reviews new development projects, and Geller would essentially serve as Boyd's early eyes on any controversial proposals.

Boyd and Geller made nice after the District 1 county commission primary race, where Geller was eliminated by a slim margin in a three-way contest. Geller went on to back Boyd in the general election in a runoff against Shannon Gravitte.

"Rick is very passionate," Boyd said. "He'll take the job very seriously."


Copyright The Orlando Sentinel 2008. All rights reserved.

Geller Endorses Boyd

WINDERMERE, Oct. 21--Rick Geller released the following statement in support of candidate Scott Boyd, who defeated Geller in the August 26 primary for District 1 Orange County Commissioner:

Scott Boyd is the one candidate with longstanding community involvement and a real track-record working for prudent growth management. He helped to protect the Avalon community from intense, incompatible land uses. He helped to plan Orange County's first certified green residential community, restoring wetlands, preserving the tree canopy, and protecting against lake pollution. Scott's love of the land--and our community--will serve Southwest and West Orange County well. The vast majority of a County Commissioner's job deals with growth management issues. I urge you to cast your vote for the most qualified candidate--Scott Boyd.

Rick Geller
Co-founder, Southern Dr. Phillips Homeowners Coalition
Former District 1 candidate

Geller Calls on New Gated Communities Ordinance to Allow Debris Removal

ORLANDO -- Community advocate Rick Geller expressed concern that a draft Orange County gated communities ordinance does not preserve and codify the County's commitment to seek FEMA reimbursement in the event large scale debris removal on private roads becomes necessary and in the public interest.

"FEMA changed its rules last summer to now allow for the possibility of reimbursing local governments for hurricane debris removal in private and gated communities," Geller said. "FEMA, however, requires that a local government authorize itself to seek reimbursement."

Orange County's Public Works Dept.'s Sept. 2007 Fact Sheet stated the following policy, "In the instance that Orange County is subject to a large-scale disaster where it is in the public interest to remove large-scale debris on private property, prior to commencing the work, the County will submit a request for reimbursement and seek approval from the Federal coordinating officer, in accordance with 44 CFR 206.224."

"Orange County's gated communities ordinance should codify this commitment to protect both the County and homeowners," Geller said.

After the 2004 hurricanes, homeowners in gated and non-gated communities with private roads incurred tens of thousands of dollars in debris removal costs because Orange County refused to provide debris removal service absent FEMA reimbursement.

New JCC Campus Groundbreaking Set for Nov. 2

DR. PHILLIPS--The groundbreaking ceremony for a new JCC campus, located on South Apopka-Vineland Road, has been set for Sunday, November 2, at 12:30 p.m.

The Campus is named in honor of Jack and Lee Rosen, parents of hotelier Harris Rosen.

Community advocate Rick Geller served with Valerie Denner as fundraising co-chairs for the new Campus and, together, raised about $2.3 million on top of funds previously committed. The Campus will feature permanent classrooms for the acclaimed JCC preschool, a gymnasium, and a food pantry for people in short-term urgent need.

"I never gave up hope we'd eventually see a JCC in the Southwest," said Geller. "The demographics for this Campus are too compelling and, when something's crucial to the community, I can get very persistent."

"Our hats off to Harris Rosen for making the new Campus financially possible," Geller addded.

The JCC is a non-profit organization, affiliated with the United Way, open to the entire community without regard to religion, race, or any discriminatory factor.

Geller Thanks Numerous Volunteers

WINDERMERE -- Rick Geller released the following message thanking nearly 200 volunteers who assisted in his campaign for District 1 Orange County Commissioner.

Thank you from Rick Geller
September 1, 2008


Dear Friend,


Thank you for supporting my campaign for District 1 Orange County Commissioner. I so much appreciate the literally hundreds of emails, voice mails, and telephone calls I've received over the last week. I'm in the process of answering each and every one. You have expressed consolation, well wishes, and pledges of future support with great eloquence.

Tremendous Volunteers

Defeat forces introspection. We lost by only several hundred votes out of the more than 19,000 cast. The margin of loss was so small that any number of explanations have validity. Many of you complimented our campaign. However, insofar as any shortcomings or mistakes contributed to the outcome, the responsibility rests with me.

Despite the outcome, I am proud we ran a positive, honest, and substantive campaign. That approach helped to earn the The West Orange Times and Orlando Sentinel endorsements. I avoided unrealistic promises, given Orange County's severe budgetary constraints. I did not hesitate to focus on the most difficult issues, including the lack of deputy patrols in neighborhoods and ideas for helping to fix the traffic mess at Sand Lake and Turkey Lake Roads. I'm glad to have helped shape the race's agenda.

I am proud of our numerous volunteers, including the more than seventy-five people who walked neighborhoods with me this summer and the many dozens who covered polling stations last Tuesday and during the January 29 presidential primary. Over 200 people signed up to volunteer, the vast majority of whom assisted in some form over the last year. Thank you to all of you.

Congratulations to Scott and Shannon

I met with both Scott Boyd and Shannon Gravitte last week and congratulated them. I would not underestimate either's ability to ultimately win this race. Please base your decision who to support on who you believe will best serve our community and who has Southwest and West Orange County's best interests at heart. I will offer my assistance and experience to whomever wins.

Time for Family and Career

Many have expressed concern for me. Please know that I am just fine. My four children are happy to have Dad back. The day after my defeat, I spent 20 minutes on a couch holding my two-year-old, Caroline, while watching Clifford the Big Red Dog. Priceless. This simply was not my time, with such young children. I am focusing on Gabriela, our children, and on rebuilding my law practice.

I'd run and lose all over again to have you as my old and new friends. I hope you are having a safe and enjoyable Labor Day.

Very sincerely yours,




Rick Geller

****


Political advertisement paid for and approved by Rick Geller, non-partisan, for District 1 Orange County Commissioner.

Orlando Sentinel Endorses Geller

ORLANDO - The Orlando Sentinel has endorsed Rick Geller for District 1 Orange County Commissioner.

The Sentinel's endorsement stated:

We think: Attorney is equipped to tackle ethics, growth issues

The candidates running to fill Teresa Jacobs' seat on the Orange County Commission are savvy enough to say that reducing crime's a priority, given the community's growing concerns about safety.

But while the county gives the Sheriff's Office money, it's the Sheriff's Office that decides how the money gets spent. It thus falls to voters in District 1, spanning Orange County's southwest, to select a candidate who is able to make sound, reasoned judgments in other areas where a county commissioner can make an even greater impact.

Ms. Jacobs frequently did that by pushing county government to spend taxpayers' money prudently and perform its tasks ethically. We believe attorney Rick Geller would do the same -- and champion smart-growth policies often ignored by most commissioners. His oratory and intelligence just might make it hard for them to ignore sound policy.

Mr. Geller's eager, for example, to get the county to deny water-gulping St. Augustine grass to new developments. And he wants to promote mass transit more aggressively.

Public-relations manager Shannon Gravitte, unfortunately, lacks the candor voters deserve from a commissioner succeeding the straight-talking Ms. Jacobs. Ms. Gravitte, for example, was specific about funding more deputies but vague about where she'd get the money.

Citrus-grower Scott Boyd wants the county to manage growth better. But we believe Mr. Geller's better equipped to bring about that change.

The Sentinel endorses Rick Geller for Orange County Commission, District 1.

The Orlando Sentinel is Central Florida's largest daily newspaper.

Orange County Internet News Service Endorses Geller

DR. PHILLIPS - The Southwest-based Orange County Internet News Service, OCINS.com, has endorsed District 1 Commission candidate Rick Geller.

In a statement published yesterday, OCINS.com said:

"We’re pleased to see that the [West Orange] Times has joined with OCINS in recommending the election of Rick Geller as District 1 Commissioner ... We said it at the beginning of this race and we’ll say it again … It’s our opinion that R. Geller has the education, the experience, and the focus to stand “head and shoulders” above his competition in this race … He “packs the credentials” … His record is long, is deep, and is proven in handling District 1 matters … He’s equipped and has the right focus … ‘Nuff said."

The statement is published at www.OCINS.com.

The West Orange Times Endorses Geller

WINTER GARDEN -- The West Orange Times today endorsed Rick Geller for District 1 County Commissioner.

The lead editorial, "Rick Geller is our choice for county commission," discusses the strenghths of all three candidates, but states in part:

"Rick Geller, a business and commercial attorney and effective community activist, clearly has the best credentials for this important job. As the co-founder of the Southern Dr. Phillips Coalition, Geller worked to ensure that commercial development would complement existing residential developments. His efforts helped convince Orange County to purchase land for the Dr. P. Phillips Park to fill a void in county planning. He also worked to fast-track Sand Lake Elementary School's construction to relieve overcrowding at Bay Meadows Elementary. The efforts he has been involved with are too numerous to mention, but they're all in the best interest of the community."

"Geller has demonstrated a passion for the work that needs to be done, and we feel that Rick Geller is the best choice for West Orange County."

"That's a tremendous honor and those are very kind words," Geller said of the endorsement.

The West Orange Times, a weekly newspaper published in Winter Garden, is widely-read throughout District 1. This is a link to the endorsement.

Huge Win for Geller in Hispanic Chamber Straw Poll

ORLANDO -- Attendees at the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce HobNob gave District 1 County Commission candidate Rick Geller a straw poll win by a large margin. The results were as follows:

Rick Geller............93 votes (48%)
Shannon Gravitte....53 votes (27%)
Scott Boyd............48 votes (25%)

"Geller had a blow-out win," said Angel de la Portilla, a political consultant and analyst who attended the event. "Large segments of Hispanic voters live in the District. From what I hear in the community, and judging from the results tonight, those voters are looking favorably at Geller."

Geller's wife, pediatrician Gabriela Geller, a U.S. Citizen, grew up in Argentina. The Gellers' four children are bilingual.

"Muchas gracias a todos," Geller told the crowd.

GOP Continues Shift to Geller

Clergy Endorse Geller for Commissioner

PINE HILLS - The Conservative Ministers of Central Florida, a coalition of more than two dozen clergy chaired by Pastor Jerry Creel, have endorsed Rick Geller for District 1 County Commissioner.

The Geller Campaign said the Ministers' endorsement is additional evidence that the GOP base, once thought solidly behind one of Geller's opponents, is shifting to Geller. In addition, Geller decisively won the straw poll of GOP activists of all ages who attended the Orange County Young Republicans HobNob on July 31, garnering a 43 percent plurality of the votes cast in a three-way race between the three Republicans running for the District 1 seat.

A majority of the District 1 constituency is Republican; however, the race is non-partisan. The Orange County Charter prohibits anyone from running for County Commissioner on a party ticket.

"I'm deeply honored by the Ministers' endorsement," said Geller.

"After my interview," Geller said, "I was told my nine years of experience working with zoning issues to protect neighborhoods set me apart as a candidate."

"Churches often have itinerant preachers visit for a few days. They'll stay in recreational vehicles on the church's property. After forty years of this occurring without any ill effect, County Code Enforcement cited a church, causing great concern among the Ministers.

"There's an obscure sentence buried in the ordinance that won't even allow a zoning exception for an RV. If the RV is parked where it won't bother the neighbors, and it's only periodic, then we need to look at making the Code more reasonable," said Geller.

Reverend Peter Petrovich, of Tabernacle Baptist Church, said, "A candidate running for the County Commission should demonstrate a willingness and readiness to address their constituents' needs. Rick Geller has demonstrated that to me personally in working on our zoning issue, and I am certain he will continue this same determination in the days ahead."

"We of the Conservative Ministers Forum know that Rick is demonstrating an understanding of our County's concerns. He is showing an ability to wisely direct his efforts to achieve the best results for all concerned."

"We wish him 'God's Speed' in this effort," Petrovich added.

During his interview, Geller also discussed how he raised $75,000 towards construction of a food pantry to assist families in short-term, urgent need. "One of our shared Judeo-Christian values is caring for the less fortunate," said Geller. "Jews and Christians are being drawn together like never before."

"Rick has spent almost a decade serving our community," said Dorothy Blood of Bay Hill. "The Ministers' endorsement of Rick is well-deserved and I am so happy he got it."

Classroom Teachers Association Endorses Geller

COLLEGE PARK -- The Classroom Teachers Association, which represents Orange County Public School District faculty, is endorsing candidate Rick Geller for District 1 Orange County Commissioner.

"As an educator for forty-five years, I appreciated Rick's efforts at the grass roots level to protect an elementary school from more overcrowding," said Marian Cannon, a teacher at Winter Park High School. "Rick confronted and solved a difficult challenge in order to improve the education of thousands of children over many years."

"Rick is the only District 1 County Commissioner candidate with children in public school," Cannon added. "He is the only candidate who can offer that important perspective on the County Commission."

Cannon chairs the Classroom Teacher Association's Fund for Children and Public Education.

During his interview, Geller spoke of his opposition to new, high-density residential development when Bay Meadows Elementary School housed over 1,100 students in a facility built for less than 600. Rick also spoke of his success at persuading the Orange County Public School District to fast-track construction of a new elementary school to relieve Bay Meadows.

Geller and his wife, pediatrician Gabriela Geller, have four children, two of whom, Hannah (9) and Max (5), attend Windermere Elementary School.

Geller Wins Election Season's First Straw Poll

WINTER PARK -- Rick Geller, candidate for District 1 Orange County Commissioner, won the election season's first straw poll Thursday night. The Orange County Young Republicans NobNob polling results were as follows:

Geller...........57 votes (43%)
Gravitte........47 votes (35%)
Boyd............30 votes (22%)

More than 140 people--young and old--attended the event held at the Winter Park Civic Center.

"The poll was a snapshot of GOP support in a non-partisan race," said Mary Rumberger, a Winter Park political consultant who attended the event.  "One of Rick's opponents was thought to be the GOP establishment candidate, but Rick overcame that.  It's a huge victory for him."

"I don't want to overstate the importance of any straw poll," Geller said. "The only voting that really counts is on August 26 by the people who live throughout our District, whether they're Democrats, Republicans, or Independents."

The County Commission race is non-partisan. The Orange County Charter prohibits anyone from running for the seat on a party ticket.

First Voting Cast for Rick Geller

Pediatrician Gabriela Geller, M.D. casts her vote for her husband, Rick, surrounded by (L. to R.) Melissa, Hannah, and Max.


WINDERMERE -- The office of Orange County Supervisor of Elections Bill Cowles distributed more than 7,000 absentee ballots, which numerous voters received in the mail today.

To request an absentee ballot, call the Supervisor of Elections at 407-836-2070, or link to: http://www.ocfelections.com/abonline/2008AbsenteeBallotRequestForm.htm.

County Revises Hurricane Clean-up Policy in Response to Geller Advising of FEMA Policy Change

ORLANDO, Sept. 24, 2007--Orange County released a new hurricane debris clean-up policy which, for the first time, may provide for debris clean-up in private communities. The new Orange County policy closely tracks language in a new FEMA public assistance policy for debris cleanup in the event of "large-scale" disasters. The new policy comes on the heels of Rick Geller advising the County, through news postings on the Orange County Internet News Service, of FEMA's willingness after Hurricane Katrina to reimburse local governments for private community clean-up.

"I reviewed federal policy and confirmed this opportunity for Orange County," said Geller. "The type of debris we had in 2004, if it happened today, ought to meet the criteria for FEMA reimbursement. We were in a federally-declared disaster area. As we all saw, debris went flying through the air when the next hurricane struck. Debris is also potentially a source of rodent infestation and disease."

The new FEMA policy, pertaining to "widespread debris" in the "living areas" of private communities, requires local governments to grant to themselves the authority to remove debris on private property. The County's new policy commits itself to seeking FEMA reimbursement for debris clean-up in private communities.

Homeowner Associations spent tens of thousands of dollars moving debris from private roads in their communities. Not all private communities are gated.

"We're all paying the same taxes, and ought to receive the same services," said Geller. "That includes cleaning up hurricane debris, especially when FEMA will reimburse the County."

Orange County is posting its new policy on its web site. Click here to view the new policy .

FEMA's July 18, 2007 public assistance policy is posted on the FEMA web site. Click here to view the policy .