Delray Beach to Honor Roy M. Simon with Memorial Bench and Rename Railroad Lot
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Summary
The City Commission approved moving forward with a memorial bench at Old School Square and agreed to initially name the city—s railroad parking lot the "Roy M. Simon Railroad lot," following a presentation by the Rotary Club and remarks from Simon—s family.
The Delray Beach City Commission voted unanimously Nov. 18 to proceed with a memorial bench honoring longtime local architect and civic leader Roy M. Simon and to initiate the formal process to name the railroad parking lot after him.
The Rotary Club of Delray Beach presented a statement asking the commission to recognize Ernest (Ernie) and Roy Simon with a bench beneath a large oak at Old School Square; the club said the Simons helped shape downtown development and civic institutions. A family member who identified herself as Laura Simon said her father and uncle were instrumental in founding and shaping the downtown, citing projects including Old School Square, parking parcels and numerous buildings in the historic core.
City staff and commissioners discussed options for how to best honor the family—s service to the city and reached consensus on using the railroad lot as an initial naming site. City staff noted that the naming would not convey any special parking privileges. Commissioners directed that the initial name be the "Roy M. Simon Railroad lot" with an eventual transition to a permanent name once new signage is produced and formalities are completed.
Laura Simon described several possible naming locations and suggested alternatives (Railroad Lot, Veterans Park Lot, or Atlantic Plaza references) but emphasized the family—s preference to let the commission and city staff choose the most appropriate recognition. Rotary representatives said they will install a memorial bench and will announce the placement date later.
The commission—s action was procedural and did not change parking enforcement or fees; staff said it would coordinate sign changes and a formal resolution or ordinance as required. The matter will return for any final administrative steps and necessary signage replacement.
Commissioners and family members closed the recognition with expressions of appreciation and plans to schedule the bench-installation dedication at a later date.