Subject: BocaFirst COVID-19 Tracker
Since the numbers in Florida are so low, why not open our beaches?
Nanette Gordon
Letters From BocaFirst Readers
April 7 2020 – Catherine Wallace
written by BocaFirst Reader
Subject: The Sweet Sound of Silence
I’ve been reading about some area neighborhoods painting rocks and putting positive messages on them and leaving them around so people will smile and realize they are not alone. I’ve been a morning walker for a long time and go the same route. East on Palmetto, south on A1A and west on Camino Real. On my walk this morning I saw 3 painted rocks and it really did make me smile. Thank you to the person who did this. I think I will paint a few rocks and put them out as well.
Catherine Wallace
April 7 2020 – Ian MacDougall
written by BocaFirst Reader
Subject: The Sweet Sound of Silence
In times of uncertainty and misinformation we should remember that anecdotes are not data. Good data is carefully measured and collected information based on a range of subject-dependent factors including, among others, controlled variables, meta-analysis and randomization.
Ian MacDougall
March 31 2020 – Scott Shabot
written by BocaFirst Reader
Subject: The Sweet Sound of Silence
Traffic will rebound ASAP as soon as the pandemic abates. There is no incentive and we’ve seen no past history from our city leaders, where they have any interest in attacking the traffic problems in Boca Raton. The addition of 5000 condos in downtown makes parking difficult and no attempt has been made to tackle the east/west rush-hour traffic issue.
Some say Brightline is a step in the right direction but A $50 round-trip ticket to Miami is not going to reduce traffic it’s not affordable for commuters. When Mayor Singer cites the flawed/dangerous traffic crossing signs on Palmetto Park Avenue as progress for our infrastructure you know it’s not going to get any better.
Scott Shabot
March 31 2020 – Arne Rossel
written by BocaFirst Reader
Subject: The Sweet Sound of Silence
Take care you don’t shoot yourselves in the foot with this bright idea. This gentry loves its creature comforts. Moreover, the downtown attracts patrons from the 4 points of the compass and at hours which extend well into the late evening. It’s not like the city sports a high end mass transportation system or an equally fine Uber livery behind the three-pointed star. In Manhattan, there’s a segment of ‘fine diners’ who never see the inside of the subway. It’s not their gig. Much like L.A., this region was built on an infrastructure of roads and private vehicles. You can turn your roadways into walkways, but the public will still need to drive to them, and store their vehicle somewhere. There’s an open parking field in Mizner on which a six story garage might stand. Give that a thought.
Arne Rossel
March 3 2020 – Janis Ehlers
written by BocaFirst Reader
Subject: Boca Town Center Mall Safety
Despite the unsolved crimes at Boca Town Center attention doesn’t seem to be paid to how dark the parking lots are. While there is valet parking available, I don’t think shoppers should be forced to use the valet as the only safe alternative to parking in a parking lot. Around Macy’s there are so many dark areas that simply are places perfect for crimes to take place. Retail complains about the lack of shoppers but making parking lots safer should be a first step.
Janis Ehlers
February 19 2020 – Steve Utrecht
written by BocaFirst Reader
Subject: In Defense of Free Speech
Private citizens have a right to speak their concerns publicly. That right is not only a protected constitutional right but is also no protected by a law that provides every citizen civil remedies if the have been retaliated against for exercising their rights. Ask an attorney about Florida’s “SLAPP Act” If anyone has been sued by a public figure for speaking their mind or opposing that public figure they have extraordinary remedies set forth in a law enacted in 2011 which provides strong civil remedies designed to remedy the harm cause by a public official seeking to suppress their voice through the use of court actions to suppress their free speech.
STEVE UTRECHT
February 18 2020 – Steve Utrecht
written by BocaFirst Reader
Subject: East Boca infrastructure needs
I have been saying for years that the key to downtown success is a more walkable, bikeable, liveable downtown that has an integrated alternative transportation system which reaches the beach. There is no other city in South Florida that has the ocean so directly connected to its downtown. Palmetto Park, by reason of its direct connection to both the ocean and the downtown is the most intrinsically valuable street in all of South Florida. Palmetto Park Rd. despite being that unique and extremely rare and valuable asset, still has great needs for investment in infrastructure and remains an unbalanced and has been less than progressively developed. I have also been saying for years that there are huge pockets of neglected infrastructure that makes this section of our City less connected to the ocean by walking or biking rather than more connected. The time has come to rethink this aspect of our city planning. There are ways to shape codes to accomplish this goal. First and foremost it requires vision. A balanced vision that leaves room for investment but requires developer contribution in exchange for enhanced development rights.
Steve Utrecht
Subject: Golf courses in Boca.
It is imperative to keep the current courses and continue to support golf and use some of the land that is currently being turned into large buildings. I have written before and expressed my opinion about the growth of Boca. We have been and currently are a beautiful relatively small city that is supported and enjoyed by the
current residents. Why is it that the Commissioners want to turn what we have and enjoy into a large metropolis Ridiculous.
BRENDA M MCCORMACK
Subject: Plastic and Trash on the Beach.
I walk the south beach of Boca everyday for the last 26 years,all the plastic and trash you will find on the beach comes from the ocean,it has been dumped from boats and arrives every day.
The attention has to be put there.
Alberto Ricaurte