In this episode we discuss a local issue that is ongoing in our town of Boca Raton, Florida. The Save Boca campaign was formed in response to our local government’s plan to put 31 acres of public land into the hands of developers. Within those 31 acres is a 17 acre park called “Memorial Park”, often referred to as “War Memorial”, that was named in 1947 two years after the end of World War II, to honor those who served. The park is centrally located in the downtown area of east Boca Raton, and has been a hub of activity since its inception. For decades the citizens of Boca Raton have enjoyed the 10 clay tennis courts, skatepark, softball and baseball fields, shuffleboard courts, basketball court, playground and green open spaces that the park offers. Boca Raton’s historic Children’s Museum also sits on the property, where the second oldest building in Boca Raton can be found. The Boca Raton Community Center and City Hall also reside within the park. The park is home to six cherished old growth Banyan trees that are loved by the community. The project was originally named “Government Campus Redevelopment”, a fairly misleading title that offered no clues as to what the local government and developers agreed on as it pertained to development of the public land. In place of what has been described here, the new plan is a concrete jungle that includes a hotel that is near schools, low income housing, cafes, stores, restaurants and additional commercial leasing space. There has been talk of moving two of the six Banyan trees, something that is very distressing to the people of Boca Raton, as well as very little regard to what Memorial Park represents to the town and to all veterans. The Save Boca movement has been tremendous getting the word out to citizens and instrumental in making our voices heard. We also touch on overdevelopment as a whole all across America, and how what we are currently facing may resonate with many listeners who have witnessed the cherished nostalgic sections of their beloved towns be replaced with shiny, new and uncomfortable structures that have had the effect of completely changing the character and charm of their area. This is an ongoing issue that will see many city council meetings ahead attended by hundreds, if not thousands, of citizens. We plan on keeping our finger on the pulse of this issue and being involved as much as possible, with this episode hopefully aiding the good fight in some way.
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