Sun-Sentinel 12/04/04

Letters to the Editor Sun-Sentinel

-------------------- Coconut Creek can buck costly trend --------------------
Janice Ellery
COCONUT CREEK

December 4, 2004

The city of Coconut Creek has been marketing the idea of a town center complex called "Main Street." The concept is to create a pedestrian-friendly, hometown appeal. However, they fail to inform people that the creation of this center would involve the loss of a horse farm, the last existing farm land in the city and a mobile home park.

The mobile home park is home to approximately 1,000 minority and low-income residents. These people are apparently not part of the city's vision of the future. While the mobile home park needs repair and landscaping, it could be revitalized and included in the Main Street concept.

There is a documented lack of affordable housing in Broward County. By displacing 1,000 low-income residents to build high-price condos, the city is adding to this housing crisis.

This is a chance for Coconut Creek to be truly progressive and be a city of diversity. Let the horses, mobile home residency and some agricultural land stay.

While the mayor may be able to economically justify these actions, it is ethically and morally wrong. Is Coconut Creek becoming just another South Florida suburb for upper income people and condos?

Copyright (c) 2004, South Florida Sun-Sentinel

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