One month after city staffers outlined how they intend to improve the safety and appearance of Sanborn Square, Boca Raton City Council members have tweaked the plan.
Staff had recommended removing the unsightly temporary barricades along Federal Highway that were installed about two years ago to prevent drivers — by accident or intentionally — from jumping the curb and injuring people using the popular downtown square.
They would be replaced by concrete Jersey barricades that, rather than lining the street, would be staggered in ways that soften their appearance. They also could be painted or covered with murals.
But Council member Yvette Drucker strongly objected, saying she did not like the look of Jersey barricades even if they were painted.
So Assistant City Manager Chrissy Gibson proposed a change. Relatively low-cost Jersey barricades would still be used, but 25 concrete planter boxes would be added to enhance the aesthetics, she told the council on Jan. 8. The project would cost $78,000, and the barriers and planters could be obtained in three to four months.
Drucker was less than thrilled, saying the combination is a better option but falls short of what other cities are doing.
But since this is a temporary fix, “I can live with it,” she said.
The city plans a $4 million renovation of the square that will begin in about three years.
Deputy Mayor Monica Mayotte was more supportive. “This looks much better, much more pleasing,” she said. The three other council members also supported the combination.
— Mary Hladky
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