Plans to build a new dry boat storage facility at the marina at Matheson Hammock are running into opposition from the people in the communities surrounding the historic park. 

"You can't put more than five pounds of sausage in a five pound bag," said Coral Gables resident Charlie Girtman. "This five pound bag is full." 

The proposed boat storage facility is six stories high, which would make it visible above the park's tree line. It is as long as one and a half football fields, with room for about 300 boats in dry dock.   

"There's not enough room in the harbor for the harbor traffic. Theres not enough parking," said Cai Svendsen, who owns a boating school in the park. 

The man behind the plan is longtime Gables resident Marc Buoniconti, who called the facility a dream he has had for a dozen years.  He says opponents' fears are based on misinformation. 

"Their concerns are noise, visibility, environmental issues," said Buoniconti, "and we have dedicated ourselves to making sure all of those issues are addressed." 

After years in planning, Miami-Dade commissioners approved the project and Buoniconti's choice of companies, North Dade-based Aqua Marine Partners, to build the facility and lease the 300 boat spaces. The county receives about $200,000 a year in rent for the term of the 20-year contract. 

County paperwork indicates the Coral Gables city manager said he would not oppose the plan. 

But in the past month, Gables residents and homeowners associations just learning about the plan are mobilizing against it. 

The next move is the developers', who must schedule time with Coral Gables city committees and ultimately with the City Commission for approval.