Letters

Delray Beach is changing and that is healthy. Change allows us to reaffirm what makes Delray special.
The most recent addition to our downtown is a proposed iPic movie theater. It has created much discussion and emotion. Although I voted against the project, I believe it is time to embrace iPic as it moves through the final approval process. It is also time to remember the promises made by the developer.
The city’s Community Redevelopment Agency has agreed to sell unique downtown property it owns at substantially less than market value. In turn, the buyer has made verbal commitments to include:
    • Build Class “A” office space along with the theater.
    • Move its corporate headquarters to the new Delray project.
    • Dedicate at least 90 parking spaces for public use only and ensure enforcement.
    • Pay for an off-duty police officer to help direct traffic on Federal Highway.
    • Ensure that vehicles servicing businesses on Atlantic Avenue are not blocked on the east-west alleyway.
    • Agree not to compete with existing downtown restaurants.

I suggest that all of these promises be included in the final written agreements, and further suggest that penalties be applied if the promises are not kept. For example, the buyer might be tempted to flip the property for more money after the purchase from the CRA. In that case, a penalty might include an additional payment to the CRA.
Development can destroy the character of a city or it can strengthen it. Delray Beach officials have an opportunity to make sure our Village by the Sea is strengthened.
 
Shelly Petrolia
Vice Mayor, Delray Beach