Letters: Clematis re-do still has problems

Clematis re-do still has problems

Re your May 4 editorial, "Help shops, delay fees downtown," it is sinful to recognize that West Palm Beach spent $20 million to enhance the downtown streetscape, as well as restaurant areas along Clematis Street. All that being said, tables and chairs of establishments have been placed dangerously close to where there is a constant heavy stream of traffic. Some may prefer to refer to it as "the Clematis corridor." It is quite obvious that accidents are waiting to happen, a horrific liability to the city that will in turn be thrown to the taxpayers. Shame on the city planners and designers. No one should sneeze at $20 million; that is big bucks.

Gail A. Levine, West Palm Beach

Related Commentary: Delay sidewalk fees downtown to help West Palm Beach shops recover | Editorial

High Court leak an affront

While abortionists decry a possible decision by the U.S. Supreme Court to return that issue to elected officials, the really important issue is the leak of the early draft of that decision. Such an egregious betrayal of trust and confidentiality undermines the deliberations and conclusions of that important branch of our government. The leak calls to memory the numerous such events early in the Trump Presidency seeking to undermine his efforts. Let's hope that the staffer that leaked that draft is prosecuted.

Ronald H. Dieck, Palm Beach Gardens

FOR SUBSCRIBERS: Abortion decision leak a 'wakeup call' for Florida Democrats, a 'moment' for Republicans

Workers needed to avert recession

After reading Alex Domash's and Lawrence Summers' op-ed about the upcoming unavoidable recession, I realized they had the answer right in their discussion. Unemployment is too low and wages keep rising to hire workers. Here is a novel idea: Open the borders, as the country did in the early 19th century, to invite more workers.

Why not? The same reason as in the 1860's, when America did not want the Irish, or the early 1900’s, when Polish and Italians were not wanted. Yes, let’s make American great again but, for the first time ever, let’s not let immigrants participate. Really?

Christopher Cornelio, Jupiter

Brightline needs better motorists

The letter from Bill Morris on May 4 takes a very expensive and impractical approach to safety at FEC crossings for Brightline's crossings problems. If drivers continue to bypass the current bells, lights, and gates, at the expense of their own lives, eventually the effect on the gene pool should leave us with a smarter group of drivers who are willing to wait for the very short time required for the crossing to reopen for them.

Roger J McCord, Boynton Beach

Alternative to Brightline needed

Brightline is a financial nightmare and an ever-growing threat to public safety. As of March 13, 59 people have been killed by Brightline trains. According to an ongoing Associated Press report. Brightline has the worst fatality rate in the nation. Now they are seeking $45 million for safety improvements. Haven’t we heard this song before? The Long Island Rail Road has been in existence since 1834 and has never turned a profit. It’s unfortunate that our governor doesn’t scrap this “Money Train.” A monorail or “Hyper-Loop” riding above the rails would appear to be the wise choice.

Thomas Ciulla, Boca Raton

FOR SUBSCRIBERS: When, where and how: A detailed list of Brightline train deaths in Palm Beach County

This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Post: Clematis Street re-do helps West Palm Beach but more can be done