Neighbors criticize Dune/Live Local project; raise infrastructure, safety and environmental concerns

Hundreds of residents and several neighborhood leaders urged the Boynton Beach City Commission Wednesday to address a range of problems they say have arisen from demolition and early work on the Dune apartment and townhouse project adjacent to the Los Mangos neighborhood.

Speakers described dust mitigation failures during demolition, damage to an irrigation pipe, the arrival of large numbers of iguanas, and concerns that changes to grade and development could affect private drilled irrigation wells and aging clay sewer mains. They also warned the commission that the proposed project’s vehicle access and parking layout could push construction traffic through Los Mangos’s private roads.

Dave Patterson, president of the Los Mangos Property Owners Association, said the association asked the city to “get involved” and push back against state law changes that residents say have reduced municipalities’ control over density and development. “If our local officials so deeply value the community, what are you doing to fight this legislation?” Patterson asked, referencing the Live Local Act and recent state bills.

Other residents provided technical and anecdotal concerns: Michael Salvatore and others said clay sewer mains along the property line are old and should be scoped before heavy construction begins; neighbors reported a broken irrigation pipe that they said a contractor had not reported; and multiple speakers said the developer did not deliver promised pest or post‑demolition reports. Several speakers also described accelerated traffic and parking impacts from the developer’s planned 401‑space garage and townhouse access points just feet from Los Mangos entrances.

Los Mangos residents asked the commission for several actions, including: (1) scoping and pre‑construction inspection of clay sewer lines and irrigation wells; (2) clearer “good neighbor” requirements and a city “watchdog” to ensure developer compliance with mitigation measures; (3) review of Live Local exemptions they say were improperly granted, including density and setback exceptions; and (4) direct city involvement in conversations with state legislators about the Live Local Act.

Commission staff told residents they had raised some of the issues with the developer and that specific technical reviews—such as cameraing sewer mains—had been recommended by utilities staff. Commissioners and staff agreed to continue engagement with neighbors and with the developer; no formal vote or action by the commission was taken during the meeting on these concerns.

Several speakers also urged the commission to support a broader “good neighbor” policy for large projects, to require pre‑ and post‑construction condition documentation (including video of adjacent properties), and to require dredge, drainage and traffic mitigation studies before major construction. Residents said they will return to the commission with formal requests if staff and developer responses do not address their concerns.

Quote attribution is limited to speakers who spoke during public comment; the commission did not make a formal ruling on any of the requests during the meeting.