Delray project is a win-win; let’s go

The most admired cities in the world share two characteristics. They keep historic structures and they promote pedestrian circulation.

Midtown Delray scores an “A” in both. Hudson Properties will preserve and adapt historic homes to 21st-century use.

They plan a grand pedestrian entrance at the corner of Swinton and Atlantic avenues, welcoming pedestrians to use the landscaped passageway that bisects the project.

Midtown has committed to new pedestrian/bike facilities. These initiatives will reduce the number of cars traveling into the congested area on Atlantic Avenue east of Swinton.

Think of the residents near the project who are sick and tired of seeing the dilapidated buildings and being afraid to walk along Swinton after dark.

Think of the dream finally realized by The Set neighborhood when downtown Delray doesn’t stop at Swinton Avenue anymore.

In life, no one gets everything they want; in the end, everyone compromises for the good of the entire community.

That’s the way things have always been done in Delray. It’s time to accept a compromise and declare victory for all.

JIM SMITH, DELRAY BEACH Editor’s note: Jim Smith is co-founder and chairman of Safety As FDOT Envisions (SAFE).