Opposition against a proposed boat storage facility is gaining momentum.
On Tuesday, the city of South Miami unanimously passed a resolution expressing opposition to the dry dock facility planned for Matheson Hammock Park in neighboring Coral Gables.
The commission chamber at South Miami City Hall was packed on Tuesday evening with people who were against the plan to add more boat storage to the historic park.
Ron Magill of Zoo Miami, who was speaking as a private citizen and not on behalf of the zoo, was among the dozen people who made public comments.
"There is a time and a place for development. But where does it stop?" said Magill.
"I am utterly appalled at what they want to do with this thing," another resident said.
The proposed facility is six stories high, which would make it visible above the park's tree line. It's one and a half football fields long with room for 300 boats in dry dock.
Longtime Coral Gables resident and community leader Marc Buoniconti is behind the plan. He said he has wanted to expand boat storage at Matheson Hammock for years.
Last week, Buoniconti said opponents' fears have been based on misinformation.
The proposed boat facility was approved by Miami-Dade County commissioners in July. They also approved Buoniconti's choice of companies, Aqua Marine Partners, to build the facility.
Commissioners from the City of Coral Gables will ultimately make a final decision after several city committees meet with the developer.
