By Mary Thurwachter
A plan to convert two town-owned lots into a waterfront park and parking lot got the green light from the Lantana Town Council in June.
But several neighbors to the side-by-side lots, at 106 and 122 N. Lake Drive on the west side of the Intracoastal Waterway, made it clear during a public hearing on July 8 that they only approved of half of the plan — the parking lot.
Lantana used money from its reserves to buy the lots for $1.2 million in December 2011 after a plan for residential development fizzled, a victim of the economic downturn. The same property, a block west of the new Ocean Avenue Bridge, fetched $5.3 million when sold in 2006.
Last month, the council approved a special exception to its code to allow the lots to be used as a one-acre passive park in the residential district. The conceptual plan calls for a kayak and canoe launch accessible to the disabled, an observation deck, a kiosk and parking lot for up to 31 cars.
An existing pier would also be upgraded.
The town agreed to work with neighboring property owners to ensure adequate screening — fencing, walls and landscaping — for security and aesthetic purposes.
The town also said it would work with the county to develop mangrove planters in the northeast and southeast beach areas and to protect existing scrub habitats adjacent to the beach.
The town hopes to secure a grant to pay half the $250,000 cost of developing the park.
Neighbors said that while they agreed more parking spaces were needed for the business district on Ocean Avenue, a park would mean increased security problems.
“It’s a tremendous safety issue,” said Frank Ballinger, who lives on East Ocean Avenue. He said the property was too small to be used as a park.
Other residents said vagrants would be attracted to the park.
“I’m not in favor of a park,” said resident Phyllis Small. “I’m in favor of a parking lot and many residents feel the same way.”
Wayne Cordero, owner of the Old Key Lime House on East Ocean Avenue, submitted a petition signed by 60 residents who, like Small, want a parking lot but not a park.
Council members said the park was in the best interest of the town.
“I can’t see why it is not being welcomed,” said Mayor Dave Stewart.
A park, he said, would help preserve the waterfront for future generations. He compared it to the 1940s, when forward thinking members of the Lion’s Club spent $4,000 for land that eventually gave the town its beach.
The money for the North Lake Drive property was “saved by good fiscal management,” Stewart said. “There are many residents who feel this is within the vision of the town.”
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