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Council pauses Coral Reef dog-park plan after split public reaction; sponsor withdraws proposal
Summary
Vice Mayor Mark Meritzer proposed designating an off‑leash dog area at Coral Reef Park and authorized a manager study. After a lengthy public-comment period (residents raised concerns about wildlife, costs, and proximity to US‑1 while others supported a central dog park), the sponsor withdrew both items and the council accepted the withdrawal.
The council debated a proposed dog park at Coral Reef Park at first reading of an ordinance to permit manager‑designated off‑leash areas and a companion resolution to study a fenced dog park. Vice Mayor Mark Meritzer said he sought facts and community input before any construction, noting he had received roughly 60% supportive and 40% opposed responses in outreach.
Residents who opposed the Coral Reef Park site cited risks to wetlands, nearby waterways, the meditation garden, parking and safety near US‑1 and said an existing dog park elsewhere should be improved rather than creating a second facility. Supporters said the village needs a centrally located, fenced dog facility because denser housing leaves many pet owners without yards and because it creates social space for neighbors.
Manager Nick Morano gave a preliminary estimate for a full fenced facility — including new fencing, benches, pet stations and a water fountain — at roughly $70,000 to $90,000 depending on scope and requested features; he offered a smaller, value‑engineered option to reduce cost. After hearing resident input and cost estimates, Vice Mayor Meritzer withdrew both the ordinance and the companion resolution and the council voted to accept the withdrawal.
What happens next: Meritzer said he will continue community engagement and pursue budgeted options such as improving the existing dog-park footprint as part of the capital and parks planning process; decisions about capital funding will move through the upcoming budget workshop.
