October 2012
Volume 5 Issue 10
Serving Hypoluxo Island, South Palm Beach, Manalapan, Ocean Ridge, Briny Breezes, Gulf Stream and Coastal Delray Beach
Delray Beach
Protests send Atlantic Plaza plan back for reconsideration
By Margie Plunkett The Atlantic Plaza II mixed-use development would exceed Delray Beach’s density and height under a new proposal, which drew pleas from residents to respect the surrounding area and Veterans Park. Following resident protests at a packed Sept. 24 meeting, the Planning and Zoning Board postponed its vote on the request for a month, asking the developer to return after reflecting on the feedback from the board and the public. “We all want this project to be viable,” said board member Craig Spodak. “It needs some reworking.” The project’s height would surpass a 48-foot limit, reaching nearly 60 feet, while the density would climb from the allowed 30 residential units per acre to 51.1 units, according to plans presented to the Planning and Zoning Board. “We’re asking for the same height that’s approved,” said developer Jeff Edwards of Ohio-based Edwards Companies. “We are asking for more density.” The $200 million, 9-acre project, which is next to Veterans Park on East Atlantic Avenue, must also still undergo a review of its newly submitted site plan. Developers hope to start construction by the end of the year. The new plan proposes 442 residential units, compared with the See PLAZA on page 22
Boynton Inlet
Anglers fish from the jetty as a harvest moon rises over Ocean Inlet Park. Photos by Tim Stepien/The Coastal Star
Shine on, harvest moon
Visitors to park, jetty bask in lunar light By Ron Hayes
Chaplain Paul Underhay officiates at the wedding of Diana Estep and Eduardo Jacome before moonrise.
The groom was a little early. The moon was a little late. At 6:15 p.m. on the last Saturday in September, Eduardo Jacome stood on the beach at Ocean Inlet Park, nervously smoothing his black tuxedo, tugging his red vest, eying the flowered bower
by the water’s edge. “A harvest moon?” he muttered, understandably distracted. “No, we didn’t know about a harvest moon.” There are moons, and there are full moons, and then there is the harvest moon. For three days, starting Sept. 29, a fat, strikingly orange moon started climbing the See INLET on page 12
Along the Coast
Privilege, price accompany Boca presidential debate
Lynn University will spend $5 million to host Oct. 22 event By Thomas R. Collins Some two years ago, officials with Lynn University got in touch with the city of Boca Raton and shared some exciting news: They were applying to host a presidential debate in 2012. Is that something, they asked, that the city would support? “The city council said yes, that would be a cool thing,” Assistant City Manager Michael Woika said recently.
The city didn’t consider the expenses immediately, but — now that Lynn actually is hosting the last debate on Oct. 22 — the city figures that paying for security provided by the city’s Fire and Police departments will cost $250,000. The city thought that state money was going to be set aside to help with the local costs, but that didn’t happen. Essentially, the response from the state was, “Glad you could host, but we don’t have any money,” Woika said. Lynn — a 2,100-student liberal-arts school — is spending $5 million — with $150,000 in Palm Beach County tourism tax dollars to help. They’re also See DEBATE on page 14
Season Preview
See what cultural events are happening throughout the region this season. The ArtsPaper
October 2012 Free
ON PAGE 14: Lynn University namesake Christine Lynn talks about the campus that will host the debate. Tim Stepien/The Coastal Star
In Coastal Life Secret Gardens
Our new feature helps you enjoy the area’s beautiful outdoor spaces. Page CL1 Favorites on including War tap, Horse THEATER: Pages 6-7 Traveling exhib its, plus Annie’s photos ART: Pages 8-11,14 This time, few classic rockers in evide nce POP: Pages 26-28 Concert stars, fare younger, freshe is r CLASSICAL : Pages 20-22
Pay it Forward
Our new calendar guides you to area philanthropic events. Page CL4
PRSRT STD US POSTAGE PAID WEST PALM BCH FL PERMIT NO 4595