Okeechobee plan will increase traffic

I respectfully disagree with the conclusions West Palm Beach Mayor Muoio reaches in her recent column in support of her contention that adoption of the Okeechobee Business District (OBD) reduces potential traffic within the OBD and along the entire Okeechobee corridor, the major eastwest highway for local residents of West Palm Beach and Palm Beach. Let me explain why.

West Palm Beach city officials relied upon a lengthy study of the city’s traffic and mobility network in approving the OBD. My concern is with their conclusion that adoption of the study’s recommendations will minimize “future vehicle trips” within the already congested OBD and Okeechobee corridor.

Those solutions, which Muoio listed, consist of

“an expanded trolley service, more bike facilities and improved walkability.” To my mind, they fail to appreciate the adverse health consequences for our seniors and others at risk from excessive exposure to our tropical heat while waiting for a trolley or by having to walk or ride a bicycle around the OBD.

In addition, these “solutions” will contribute to increased gridlock while failing to address the likelihood that the increased traffic within the OBD and along the entire Okeechobee corridor will come from the entering and exiting of the OBD by vehicles driven by the new occupants of the contemplated waterfront office tower.