The curb gets costly: a long list of parking fines jumps today
Plus a tennis contract reopened, a proposed lobbyist rule up Tuesday and Halloween Town plans.
As of today, blocking a sidewalk carries a $250 fine, up from $35 and equal to the penalty for parking illegally in a handicapped space. City Manager Terrence Moore approved the increase after the U.S. Department of Transportation notified Delray of an Americans with Disabilities Act complaint over sidewalk access.
The reason reaches beyond parking etiquette: a blocked sidewalk can force someone using a wheelchair, a parent with a stroller or a child into traffic, City Attorney Lynn Gelin told commissioners Sept. 22.
Several other fines also rose from $35 to $250, including blocking driveways, parking on crosswalks, double parking and facing the wrong way.
Tennis contract reopened after players and coaches complain
JCD Sports Group has run Delray's two public tennis centers since 1996. Its proposed ten-year renewal faces commission review: all five firms interviewed for the contract are scheduled to present to commissioners Oct. 20 after August complaints prompted Mayor Tom Carney to take a closer look.
David Sall, who left coaching at Delray’s centers, and other coaches and players allege poor management and neglected courts. Tennis Center manager Jeff Bingo disputes those accounts, defends court conditions and denies saying player retention was not a goal. Swim and Tennis Center manager Jennifer Fiedler could not be reached by The Coastal Star.
The operator maintains courts, nets and fencing; the city handles grounds maintenance. Commissioner Juli Casale defends JCD and says the city must budget for upkeep. City Attorney Lynn Gelin said JCD was the staff selection committee's highest-scoring firm by a wide margin. The contract decision remains ahead.
Lobbyist disclosure rule gets its hearing Tuesday
Ordinance No. 39-26, which has not been adopted, would amend Section 2.4.2 of the Land Development Regulations to require lobbyist disclosure and certification for development applications. It comes up for second reading and a public hearing at the commission's regular meeting Tuesday, Oct. 6, at 5 p.m. in Commission Chambers at City Hall, 100 NW 1st Ave. The meeting also streams on YouTube.
Historical society's director steps down after 13 years
Winnie Diggans Edwards's last day as executive director of the Delray Beach Historical Society is Oct. 30. Past society president John Miller Jr. becomes interim director at the end of the month.
Her tenure produced 29 large history exhibits, including "Fish Tales," an exploration of the area's fishing history that filled all three cottages on the society's campus at Northeast First Street and Swinton Avenue. Her tenure also expanded programs with history happy hours, walking tours, a weeklong summer camp for kids on the art of letter writing, and an acre heritage garden planted entirely with natives: 400 species in seven habitats.
"It's time for a new chapter," Edwards said. Members can say goodbye at the society's annual meeting, 6 p.m. Oct. 8.
An hour with your iWatch at the library Friday
The library's hour-long introduction to the iWatch is aimed at new users and covers what the device can do. The class meets Friday, Oct. 2, from 1 to 2 p.m. at Delray Beach Public Library, 100 W. Atlantic Ave. Registration is required. If Friday doesn't work, the same class runs again Nov. 6 and Dec. 4.
Halloween Town takes over downtown Oct. 24
On Saturday, Oct. 24, Atlantic Avenue closes to traffic for trick-or-treating from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., with participating merchants along the Avenue and in Pineapple Grove handing out treats. KidsFest at Old School Square runs 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. with games, bounce houses, live entertainment and food.
The parade needs no registration or fee: wear a costume and line up on Atlantic Avenue at NE 5th Avenue at 1 p.m. It travels down Atlantic and ends at KidsFest. The Witches of Delray charity bike ride, with riders on decorated "broomsticks," also runs that day from City Hall to Old School Square and benefits the Achievement Centers for Children and Families.
The day is presented by the Downtown Development Authority, the city, the Achievement Centers and the Delray Beach Rotary Club, which sponsors the parade. Questions go to the DDA at 561-243-1077.