Sylvester Stallone has abandoned his plan to erect an 18-inch (46 cm) sea barrier to protect his Florida mansion after a fierce backlash from neighbours and local officials.
According to Bloomberg, the Hollywood icon appeared at the Palm Beach Town Council to defend his proposal to build a barrier to block his private beach and pool from boaters and debris.
The “Rocky” star claimed some “derelict” vessels were turning the area into a dumping ground for “sewage, gas, trash and dog faeces.”
But the 78-year-old actor’s neighbours weren’t buying it, with many calling the plan invasive and environmentally problematic, the New York Post reports.
Stallone initially billed the Intercoastal Waterway barrier as a means of keeping “seaweed and debris” away from his property, however the U.S. Army Corps issued a public notice that noted the barrier’s primary “purpose” is a,ctually to “exclude boaters” from venturing near the star’s home, with seaweed and debris listed as a secondary issue.
Palm Beach locals, known for their strict standards on development, argued that Stallone’s barrier would obstruct public waterways.
“The waterway should remain open,” said lifelong resident Jane Lindsay Scott at the meeting, adding, “The onus is on that property owner to come up with a way of mitigating their exposure.”
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Stallone defended his proposal, saying, “It’s unbelievable to me that you can have your house, your things, your boat — the place that’s your sanctuary — and you can have some guy sit there for 10 months and do his laundry in front of me and there’s nothing you can do about it.”
But the critics didn’t let up.
Ms Scott also pointed out that Stallone’s plan could “trap the trash and push it down,” failing to address the environmental concerns Stallone had raised.
Facing mounting resistance, Stallone’s lawyer cut the meeting short, announcing the actor’s withdrawal of the proposal.
The announcement prompted cheers from the crowd, leaving Stallone to wave in acknowledgment before making his exit.
Even the council wasn’t pulling punches.
“It’s tough being so famous,” said council President Bobbie Lindsay, “we have lots of celebrities and important people who live here, but you’re the only Rocky and Rambo, so it’s tough. I think we simply must object to this particular one.”
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According to Realtor, Stallone snapped up the waterfront mansion back in December 2020 via a trust for $US35,375,000 ($A54 million) for — a discount from the original listing price of $US37,850,000.
Described in its original listing as a “sensational estate compound,” the sprawling property boasts seven bedrooms and 10.5 bathrooms, as well as a large guesthouse and cabana that sit separately to the main residence.
In addition, the layout includes a gym, wine storage, library, and a family room with a wet bar. Outside, the grounds feature a pool with a beachfront spa that practically touches the lake.
Stallone currently lives in the home with his wife, Jennifer Flavin, who he wed in 1997.
Parts of this story first appeared in the New York Post and Realtor were republished with permission.