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butterbean · Joined: 21 Jun 2006 Posts: 2269

LAKE WORTH — City commissioners have agreed to move forward with establishing a day-labor center by asking local nonprofit organizations for their help.

After listening to a presentation on Jupiter's day-labor center, El Sol, from Town Manager Andy Lukasik, city commissioners said last week they would like to start a similar project in Lake Worth, which is home to a large population of immigrant workers. Commissioner Cara Jennings did not attend the meeting.

Mayor Marc Drautz said he was impressed with Lukasik's presentation, which showed that the day-labor center and an anti-solicitation ordinance have helped curb many of the issues associated with the day laborers' congregating on city streets.

Recently, about 10 percent to 20 percent of El Sol's visitors are finding work, Lukasik said. Although that rate sometimes is as high as 40 percent to 50 percent, Lukasik suggested that the hiring rate isn't the only way to measure success.

Since El Sol opened last year, noise, trash, public urination and loitering have been reduced, Lukasik told commissioners.

"We wanted to increase the quality of life for all residents," Lukasik said.

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http://www.palmbeachpost.com/politics/content/local_news/epaper/2007/02/05/s3b_lwdaylabor_0205.html