Atlantic Plaza: Developer hopes to sway Delray commissioners to allow dense project on Atlantic Ave

DELRAY BEACH, Fla. - Benita Goldstein and her husband moved to Delray Beach to open a Bed & Breakfast, and lease vacation homes. They felt the "Village By The Sea" was the perfect place to settle in. Goldstein worries plans to overhaul nearby Atlantic Plaza could change that.

"We don't want something brought in that will disrupt the neighborhood and derail it," says Goldstein.

Goldstein's rentals are just two blocks from Atlantic Plaza. Plans call for retail, office space and more than 400 condos in three, four and five-story buildings. It's all slated to fit on a nine-acre lot.

Right now, city law allows 30 rental units per acre. Developer Bill Morris wants to ask for an increase to 51 units per acre.

"The city encourages it if you can meet certain requirements, encourages high density," says Morris.

Morris's plan is less dense compared to a plan previously approved by the city.

The timing also rubbed neighbors the wrong way. City commissioners are scheduled to discuss the site plans next Tuesday - when all eyes will be on the Presidential Election. But that will change.

"I have no objection to moving it, it's a reasonable request," says Commissioner Adam Frankel.

It's  the first on a long list of requests neighbors like Goldstein hope Morris and Commissioners will consider.

Morris hopes to start clearing part of the land to make way for the project in the next two months.