Parking lot proposal denied — Local developer Tony Mauro failed to convince the Lantana Town Council that building a private parking lot and small structure at 200 N. Third St. in the commercial zoning district was a good idea.
The council unanimously voted against Mauro’s request for a variance for the lot during its July 28 meeting.
Mauro has owned the land, a vacant parking lot next to what once was a bowling alley, for 20 years. He wanted to use the lot to park vehicles driven by construction workers involved in building projects in eastern Lantana. A parking supervisor would be on hand, he said. Once parked, workers would be shuttled to construction sites, thus eliminating traffic on East Ocean Avenue and at construction sites.
The lot, which would hold about 95 vehicles, would be surrounded by trees, Mauro said, and give a park-like look to the area. But residents speaking against the proposal said having the parking lot would bring too much traffic into the area, which is very close to the well-utilized town library, and that it would cause an unsafe environment.
Nicole Dritz, director of development services, said engineers and staff urged the council to deny the variance.
Council members didn’t think the lot would add substantial benefit to the community and should be located elsewhere.
Beach planning — The Town Council will meet at 5:30 p.m. Aug. 11, prior to its regular 6 p.m. August meeting, to discuss a conceptual plan for the beach. The meeting will be held in the council chambers.
Employees recognized — Executive assistant Karen Dipolito was honored as Employee of the Second Quarter by Police Chief Sean Scheller. Dipolito has worked for the Police Department for 27 years. Scheller said she is always willing to accept additional duties and responsibilities. For the Public Services Department, senior ocean lifeguard Sam Janssen was honored as Employee of the Second Quarter by Public Services Director Eddie Crockett.
— Mary Thurwachter
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