Council Dismisses Violation Charge

At its meeting on Tuesday, October 23rd, the Wellington Village Council decided to seek a Permanent Settlement Agreement to the litigation involving the Equestrian Village Horse Park. The Park is composed of a derby field and the Van Kampen dressage venue. Its approvals were revoked by the new Council following the Council elections in March. The Park is now limited to activities from November 1 to April 30 under a Temporary Settlement Agreement.   

A proposed Settlement Agreement had been offered by Wellington Equestrian Partners and was discussed by the Council. The discussions are unknown, however, because they occurred at a “Shade Meeting” where by law only the Council, its attorney and certain staff are allowed to discuss litigation. The Council announced at its regular meeting that they would seek a “design solution” to the litigation.  

The Council also announced at its regular meeting that no violation had occurred when horses were stabled at the Horse Park for the Palm Beach Riding Academy. It decided there had been confusion when approvals were issued and that clarification was needed on what activities are allowed

Regarding the design solution, it is likely that most attention will be placed on the location of the barns. Currently there are two existing barns. There are two future barns shown on the Master Plan adjacent to the existing barns. All of the existing and future barns are adjacent to the Van Kampen arena and other facilities.

The Jacobs family has been a driving force and party to the litigation. They have publicly demanded that all the barns be relocated along South Shore Boulevard. It can be expected the the Jacobs will be seeking to have the Village Council adopt their design solution as the Village’s own.

The Council will discuss a design solution in private at a shade meeting on November 12 and then discuss and take action publicly the evening of November 13.

  

The emails to the council and attendance at Village meetings has been important during this process. 

We will be seeking your views on this and will be issuing information on meetings and other items.