Letters

I have been on Atlantic Avenue for more than 30 years and actively involved in the planning and renaissance of the downtown.
I have been chairman of the Atlantic Avenue Association, an original member of the Joint Venture Board and on the startup of the parking study committee. The results of our vision and planning, plus successful promotion, have exceeded our greatest expectations.
But strategy that worked then does not always work today, with a busier, more vibrant avenue. Since we don’t have to lure people downtown like we did years ago, the number of special events and the closing of the avenue need to be reconsidered.
Old School Square’s plan from years ago was to create a pavilion and green space for events. That plan is working well. By not closing the avenue for events, it allows patrons access to the restaurants and retailers, and attendees can more easily navigate the downtown.
The Delray Affair should revitalize its dated layout and unacceptable impact on restaurants, retailers and vehicle access. Closing the avenue for three days and nights during the season kills commerce and especially impacts the dinner business. It also creates a public safety concern because of congestion along several blocks of narrow walkways between vendors’ booths.
Our downtown is doing well, but it needs positive changes to keep up with the competitiveness of dining and shopping venues. Increasing property taxes, insurance and rent are already jeopardizing Atlantic Avenue businesses’ survival.
Most owner/managers believe there is a simple solution to improve business and improve the Delray Affair. Our proposal is for the Delray Affair to utilize Old School Square and west of Swinton Avenue to the north side of Atlantic Avenue (as it already does) and continue west to satisfy the need for vendor participation.
This would provide needed exposure for West Atlantic Avenue and put the event near three city parking garages, allowing festival attendees closer access to parking.
Most importantly, this proposal would allow vehicle traffic to flow unrestricted from the beach to I-95 and back, keeping restaurants and retailers  accessible to patrons during the event.
Bruce “Trouserman” Gimmy
Delray Beac