Hometown democracy best when it's truly hometown
The Coalition of Boynton West Residential Associations (COBWRA) has been managing growth sensibly since it was founded in 1981, and it has done a pretty good job. The area is beautiful, with Mediterranean-style architecture, lush landscaping, no strip malls in residential areas and good shopping at major intersections .
When we first heard about Florida Hometown Democracy, it sounded like a good idea. As we studied the proposed amendment, and the consequences should it pass, we became more and more alarmed.
Our foremost reason is that Amendment 4 would require all the people in unincorporated Palm Beach County to approve any change in the West Boynton area, and in your area as well. When Bethesda Memorial Hospital purchased property at Boynton Beach Boulevard and State Road 7, Bethesda had to seek a land-use change from agricultural residential to agricultural institutional. Our people fought for Bethesda West Hospital, and are thrilled seeing the construction progress. If Amendment 4 had been law, how could we have convinced the entire population of unincorporated Palm Beach County that it was a good idea for West Boynton to have a hospital?
Another example: On Jog Road, just south of the Lantana Square Shopping Plaza, is a 2.4-acre site that has been overrun with weeds for more than 20 years. It was originally a civic site, established when the Journey's End community was approved. Palm Beach County originally wanted the site for a fire-rescue station, but changed its mind and sold the land to a developer to build a day-care center.
That never happened. The land sat empty. It has been a nuisance and an eyesore for everyone who drives by on Jog Road. Finally, a developer has come forth with a sensible plan to expand the plaza south and create Lantana Square Plaza Two, with a bank, a restaurant, offices and retail. Under Amendment 4, everyone in the unincorporated county would have to vote on changing the land-use from medium residential to commercial. If they don't, we would be stuck with an unsightly field of weeds.
We prefer our version of Hometown Democracy, where the people who live in West Boynton have a strong voice and a great deal of influence on how we grow. We believe COBWRA is a better example of Hometown Democracy.
KEN LASSITER
Boynton Beach
Editor's note: Ken Lassiter is president of the Coalition of Boynton West Residential Associations.
