Senator Jeremy Ring, who represents people in Coral Springs and Parkland, chooses his words carefully every time he is asked to comment on the University Drive extension issue. This was no different Wednesday night, when the topic came up at a town hall meeting in Coral Springs.

"I won't take a stand," he said. "I represent people in both cities. But I believe [University Drive] will go through because of the proposed expansion of the casino in Coconut Creek."

The issue is close to a solution, Ring said. "I know people in Coral Springs want the road to go through, while people in Parkland and West Boca are opposed to it," he said. "Right now, Coral Springs does not have a tremendous amount of standing on the issue. I know various options are being looked at. They are talking about expanding State Road 7/U.S. 441."

Representative Ari Porth, who was also present at the meeting, was more vocal about his preference. "I represent Coral Springs, and I want to road to go through," he said.

Parkland officials are vehemently opposed to the idea of the road being extended to Palm Beach County. Members of the West Boca Community Council, too, are against the idea as they feel it will result in thousands of vehicles driving through residential areas dotted with schools.

Parkland has a lot to lose if the road is extended. The city's proposed annexation of nearly 2,000 acres of Palm Beach County land will take place only if the road extension idea is dropped permanently.