Residents and commissioners spar over whether waterfront promenades should be opened to public

A contentious debate over opening privately controlled waterfront promenades to the public dominated a large portion of the Feb. 17 meeting.

Residents and condo board representatives argued opposite sides of whether site-plan language that promised a "waterfront promenade open to the general public" gives the village the right to demand access now or whether legal, safety and design gaps mean the village should negotiate. George, a 360 condo association leader, told the commission the current rear promenades are not contiguous boardwalks and that opening the rear of multiple properties would create security, privacy and liability problems for marina owners and residents.

Commissioners and other residents argued that some developments—Moda was cited repeatedly—have operated safe, accessible promenades for years and that negotiated compromises on gates, hours and landscaping could allow public access while addressing security and privacy concerns. Vice Mayor Cook suggested site-by-site negotiations and possible temporary measures such as gated daytime access and enforcement protocols.

Mayor Rachel Stryfeld and several commissioners urged negotiation first rather than litigation. Commissioner Trevone suggested possible fees or donations by associations to compensate for shared access until a contiguous boardwalk is realized.

No final enforcement action was taken. Staff and commissioners agreed to continue outreach and discussions with condo associations to seek pragmatic, site-specific agreements.