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HomeMy WebLinkAboutHistory_News Article_Message from Mayor_1964 MESSAGE FROM OUR MAYOR 7~~ ~~ BY ROBERT VALIER, MAYOR The last issue of FAIRWAY told of the beautiful new Brochure prepared by Jupiter Inlet Beach Colony, Inc., Village Square, Tequesta, which pre- sents an historic review of the total area and its development. Copies are still available -just call 746-4242 and they will gladly send them for you to your frineds. It is timely, now, to tell our many new residents, and those who plan to make Tequesta "home" in the near future, the story of the growth, struc- ture and plans of this village. The Tequesta Village Charter was granted by our State Legislature on June 4, 1957. Territorial limits were confined to our present Country Club Community. Subsequently, the Village limits expanded from time to time so that, as of this writing, the Village Shopping Center, Jupiter in the Pines, Ridgewood Homes, Bay Harbor and Country Club Point are included in Tequesta Village. In 1958 we had ten single family dwellings in the Village. As of January 1964, we numbered 269 single family houses and 38 apartment units. And since then we have had quite a few new constructions -both single and multi- ple -including the lovely new Carriage House and Blair House condominiums. Our current Village population is ap- proximately 875. Our governing body consists of 4 councilmen, two from each ward. I should explain that the State Legisla- ture, in 1963, sub-divided the Village into two wards. Ward No. 1 is the area West of the Northfork of the Loxahat- chee River. Ward No. 2 is East. The Councilman Mayor is elected at large. To date we have had four Mayors (including my incumbency which runs until 1966). Jack Kurtz - 1957-1960; "Bud" Lathrop - 1960-1961; "Zeke" Cornelius - 1961-1963. Bob Harp, both Village Manager and Clerk, is ably as- sisted by Miss Betty Cox in the many details of those offices. As the Village grew in homes and population, it became mandatory to have a larger police force on 24 hour duty. After thorough investigation the Coun- cil selected Henry M. Dusenbury He had had many years experience and was Police Chief of Dania, Florida. He brought with him Patrolman John Rod- erick (known to many of us as "Help- ful John") . And when Freddie Dahl- meyer (our original and only police of- ficer resigned to become Chief of Sec- urity at our First Bank of Jupiter's new building) Chief replaced him with Patrolman William Petrie ("Smiling Bill"). If you need any form of Police aid during the daylight, call Village Hall - 746-7474. During the night call the Palm Beach County Sheriff's Of- fice - TE 2-8115 who will contact our local officers by radio. This plan was put into effect by Chief Dusenbury last Fall and has proven to be most effective. Our fire protection comes from the Jupiter Volunteer Fire Department to which our Village makes annual contri- butions. (Ye Editor's comment -why not give a personal contribution? To paraphrase the great Churchill -never could so many owe so much to so few, should disaster strike) Jack Sutton, of Bay Harbor is Fire Commissioner. Some time ago the Village was given a property on which to build a total facility. The Council has decided to go forward with a Village Hall. Our police department, our Village affairs, our re- quirements for locally garaged fire trucks, our space needs for the Village (continued on page 13) 11 TEQU ESTA V f LLAGE ltontinued from poge 11) maintenance crews we must have soon, and, equally important, the imperative demand for an adequate meeting place for Council, Village and Special Groups dictated the decision. It shall be, done• But only just what is necessary for now - and with plenty of room for the ad- ditions of the future. It will be a big asset to our Community. By the way, the taxtable valuation of property has increased from $3,967,320, in 1958 to $8,952,260. in X963. So you see, the Village of Tequesta continues to grow. My fellow Council- men and I urge you to attend our monthly meetings. We invite and wel- come your suggestions and active parti- cipations in the management of your Village of Tequesta.