Tag: Windermere Boathouses

Palmer Park boathouse owners retain ownership of the structures, court to consider awarding attorneys’ fees and other costs in the lawsuit that has already cost the town more than half a million dollars to litigate against its residents.

Town attorneys argued the ruling was “based on disputed issues of facts,” door open to appeal.

"We want our money back. We're paying the town's attorneys out of taxes, so basically I'm suing myself."

Circuit Court Judge John E. Jordan: “It would be grossly inequitable and shock the public conscience if a government body would take away a citizen’s private property rights by virtue of the fact that those citizens were effectively coerced to pay nominal rent to have access to their own private property.”

Judge undecided after town, residents seek decision in case to stave off possible November trial.

Owners of the historic boathouses say the case is about who owns the bottom of the lagoon beneath the structures. Windermere insists it's about honoring a 36-year-old lease. It's up to Circuit Court Judge John E. Jordan to decide.

It’s been three years and nearly half a million dollars in legal fees since the Town of Windermere sued residents in its attempt to take possession of five century-old boathouses in the Palmer Park lagoon. A judge’s decision about whether the lagoon is private or state-owned land could bring it all to a close.

Light on substance, the forum avoided key issues like the town’s 7.20 percent millage increase, ballooning legal bills.

Boathouse owners’ attorney says it’s unfair his clients were deposed, while town officials are “too busy and important” to testify.

Residents ask: Why does the town want the boathouses?