Delray development debate is great theater

The Delray Beach City Commission has once again punted final action on Atlantic Crossing, the downtown renewal project for the derelict site north and east of the intersection of Atlantic Avenue and Federal Highway (“Road Plan Put on Hold,” June 17).

I attended the special Tuesday commission meeting where Atlantic Crossing was discussed — for the umpteenth time. Two comments by commissioners were particularly noteworthy.

First, Vice Mayor Shelly Petrolia, in commenting on the partially underground garages proposed for the project, said that people, especially seniors, would be frightened to drive down into dark, unfamiliar areas. I don’t think Floridians scare that easily, especially seniors, many of whom fought in wars and most of whom are transplants from the north, where underground parking is the norm.

Second, when confronted with a traffic scheme that had been requested of the developer, one commissioner after another said “I am not a traffic planner” as justification for their votes calling for yet another traffic study. This is akin to the standard line of Republican lawmakers, who, when asked for their opinion on climate change, say “I am not a scientist,” abdicating their responsibility to take a position.

The interminable hearings on this project have been great theatre, but the patience of the citizens of Delray, both for and against, is being sorely tested. It’s time for a decision, one way or the other, and for the commission to move on to other business.

Martin King, Delray Beach