Coconut Creek authorizes city attorney to sue Florida Turnpike Enterprise over expansion plan

The Coconut Creek City Commission unanimously authorized the city attorney to pursue legal action opposing Florida Turnpike Enterprise and Florida Department of Transportation expansion plans that would add lanes and connector roadways near the city.

City Attorney Terrell Piebourn asked the commission for permission to initiate a lawsuit and recommended outside counsel Ralph DeMeo of Gilday Law in Tallahassee; staff said DeMeos rate is $325 an hour. The proposed litigation would oppose multiple project segments, identified in the meeting materials by project numbers, including work on State Road 91 (the Turnpike) from Atlantic Boulevard to Wiles Road and related expressway and connector projects.

Commissioners emphasized protecting residents quality of life in neighborhoods that border the Turnpike. Commissioner Riedell and others characterized the action as defending property rights and community character. Vice Mayor Railey, Commissioner Wasserman and Commissioner Bridal voiced broad support for legal action, and the commission approved the resolution directing the city attorney to initiate suit.

Speakers during public comment asked staff whether relocation or compensation options had been discussed with affected residents; staff said staff would follow up with a project manager to explain relocation inquiries. Commissioners noted existing noise and vibration impacts for neighborhoods already close to the Turnpike and said the city would press its case in court.

The action authorizes the city attorney to file suit and to engage outside counsel; staff listed DeMeo and his firm as a proposed resource for environmental and administrative law matters. The commission recorded a unanimous roll-call vote to proceed.