'Mafioso Mansions' On The Florida Coast

A Planning Commissioner offers the name for enormous, opulent homes on tiny waterfront lots.

1 minute read

May 5, 2005, 1:00 PM PDT

"Sitting in the audience was DeMaria, a Citrus developer who is of Italian descent. He felt offended because he thought the remark was aimed at him..."

"I have heard the phrases 'mafioso mansion' and 'mafioso development' used on several occasions by persons other than Mrs. Knudsen," Bartell wrote. 'My interpretation is it is being said with the connotation of a development that is considered to be 'criminal' in an environmental or aesthetic sense. . . . I do not believe Mrs. Knudsen made the statement in a derogatory fashion toward you or any other person.' "

Thanks to Chris Steins

Read the full story: 'Mafioso mansions' remark irks developer

Wednesday, May 4, 2005 in The St. Petersburg Times

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