Message from Commissioner Burt Aaronson

12-03-07

"Good things come to those who wait."

That statement was demonstrated a few days ago as I joined the West Boca Community Council, residents and county staff at the groundbreaking ceremony for the new West Boca Branch Library. This new library will certainly provide welcome relief for the Southwest County Regional Library on Glades Road. The library will be constructed at 20,000 square feet with space to expand to 40,000 square feet in the future. Plans call for 80,000 items to be available to patrons.

The building will have 30 computers, a teen room, three private study rooms and a larger study room. Plans also include a conference room and a children’s area with a story room. Ample parking will also be available. I also want to advise you that once the new library opens, the existing library will undergo extensive renovations including better traffic circulation. Together, the two libraries will more adequately serve the residents of West Boca.

A few weeks ago, I was advised that the new Hagen Ranch Road library is approximately 60% complete. Substantial completion is scheduled for April when the building will be ready to receive the books, etc. from the existing library on Atlantic Avenue. These two new facilities mean that there will be shorter lines, larger parking lots, more space for programs, additional meeting places for the public - in short, better service to the residents. I look forward to celebrating the grand openings of these two wonderful additions to the Palm Beach County Library system.

Finally, I am pleased that my fellow county commissioners joined me in approving a land use change on property located on the northwest corner of State Road 7 and Heritage Farms Road adjacent to the new South Florida National Cemetery. This land use change paves the way for a funeral home. The environmental community raised concerns which I found outrageous. Having a funeral home adjacent to the resting place of those who served and died for this country is a necessity. I totally supported this land use change and I am pleased that the County Commission approved the change and that families will have their final moments and our veterans will rest in peace.

As always, I invite your comments on any issue of interest to you. As your Commissioner, I am here to help you. You may write me at 301 N. Olive Ave., West Palm Beach, 33401 or call my staff at 276-1310 or toll free at 877-930-2205. You can also email me at baaronso@co.palm-beach.fl.us.