Delray Beach City Issues

FEDERAL HIGHWAY NARROWING Since Federal Highway is used as a regular travel route by most residents including BPOA members, we are providing an update on the status of this project following the installation of the barricades that simulated the removal of one traffic lane in both the north and southbound directions. Our City Engineer, Randal Krejcarek, has reported this information: The one year test period when the barricades were installed started in April 2008 and “after” data will be collected in March 2009. The before and after comparison data will be presented to City Commission but the option of presenting this data to the public via a public meeting has not yet been decided. One of the goals of this project was to provide a safe crossing for pedestrians at the intersections of Atlantic Ave and Federal Hwy. The right turn lanes were removed to provide a shorter distance for pedestrians. Both intersections experienced higher than normal pedestrian crashes prior to implementing these modifications. Regarding number 3) above, the BPOA Board has expressed the opinion that the removing of the turning lane at intersections on Atlantic Ave. and Federal Highway will cause traffic waiting for pedestrians to cross Atlantic Ave. to back up into the thru lane. By reducing one thru traffic lane it could cause a merging of traffic and a potentially unsafe condition. We will keep you appraised on this. ATLANTIC PLAZA II The owner of Atlantic Plaza just on the west side of the Intracoastal Waterway submitted project plans to the city for a major development. The property is bounded by Veterans Park, Atlantic Avenue, North Federal Highway (6th Avenue), and NE 1st Street. The Planning and Zoning (P&Z) Board reviewed the project at its 10/20/2008 meeting. Many citizens spoke in opposition to the project for a variety of reasons. Several supported the project. The vote was limited under advise of the Assistant City Attorney to strictly consider only the height issue and Conditional Use rules. The developer was requesting a height increase for 3 of the 6 buildings up to 60 feet. Normally, building height is limited to 48 feet on Atlantic Avenue. The final vote was 4-1 in favor of the Conditional Use and the taller buildings. Other city boards, including P&Z, will again review and vote on the project at different stages. Specifically, the relocation of 7th Avenue approximately 70 feet to the east (for the section from Atlantic to NE 1st Street), and the abandonment of a public alley between 6th and 7th , will be looked at by P&Z in the near future. Several board members expressed some unhappiness with those aspects of the plan. BPOA will continue to follow this development as it works its way through the system. BPOA has expressed its opposition to the increased height as well as to the relocation of NE 7th Avenue because this will disrupt the smooth flow of traffic on 7th Avenue and Atlantic Avenue leading up to the Intracoastal bridge. Around The Village Louie Loui's getting a face lift from new owners Worthing Place Contruction

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