Sylvester Stallone riles up neighbors over bizarre plan for his $35M Palm Beach mansion
PALM BEACH, FLORIDA: Sylvester Stallone is facing a wave of criticism from his neighbors in Palm Beach, Florida, over his proposed plan to install an underwater barrier near his $35 million mansion.
The 78-year-old actor has submitted plans to the Florida Department of Environmental Protection and the US Army Corps of Engineers for a barrier aimed at keeping boaters away from his waterfront property.
Inside Sylvester Stallone's controversial environmental project
Sylvester Stallone's project, which has been met with backlash from residents, would involve placing a seaweed barrier in the Intracoastal Waterway, a public body of water adjacent to his mansion.
The barrier is intended to deter boaters from coming too close to the property.
According to a public notice from the Army Corps of Engineers, the barrier is classified as part of an environmental project, with debris and seaweed management as secondary objectives.
The barrier would float approximately eight inches above the water's surface and extend about ten inches below, as per Daily Mail.
It would be secured with nylon ropes and piles anchored into the substrate.
An engineer working on the project has assured that marine life will be able to pass freely under or around the barrier.
However, some environmental concerns have been raised, including the potential impact on seagrasses and the risk of manatee entanglements.
Sylvester Stallone's neighbors voice strong opposition
Many of Sylvester Stallone's neighbors, particularly those living in the exclusive North End of Palm Beach, have expressed frustration over the proposal.
Bradford Gary, a local resident, voiced concerns about the 'Rambo' actor's plans, describing his property as "one of the nicest West Indies houses" but arguing that the proposal is an overreach.
“You can’t just stake your claim and think you own the water,” Gary told The Palm Beach Post.
Susan Gary, Bradford's spouse, noted that many neighbors are worried but are struggling with the timing of the project and the limited public comment period.
The notice for public comments opened on October 24 and will close on December 25, leaving only a short window for residents to voice their opinions during the busy holiday season.
Potential political implications of Sylvester Stallone's proposal
The timing of the public comment period of Sylvester Stallone's proposed project has raised additional concerns, with critics claiming that the holiday season may stifle opposition.
The Garys, along with other neighbors, have already submitted a letter opposing the project to both the Florida Department of Environmental Protection and their congressional representative, Rep Lois Frankel.
Residents can submit written comments to the Florida Department of Environmental Protection at 3301 Gun Club Road, West Palm Beach, by the 5.00 pm deadline on Christmas Day.
Stallone purchased his 13,000-square-foot Palm Beach mansion in late 2020.
The sprawling property includes a seven-bedroom, 12-bathroom main home, a guesthouse, and extensive waterfront land with a dock.
