Officials in Coral Springs and Parkland are busy finalizing strategy on the University Drive extension issue, following reports that political considerations might play a key role in the outcome that has the two cities taking different stands.

Coral Springs Mayor Scott Brook, who is a member of the South Florida Regional Planning Council, is banking on the committee supporting his city’s stand. “I’ve asked the council to do a study on University Drive. The plan is to get their support, “he said.

“We also need to speak to Broward County commissioners to get support for extension of University Drive,” Brook said. “That way, we will have two other things for the other side to consider before a final decision is taken.”

Parkland Mayor Michael Udine wanted the commission to stay vigilant. “Things are moving in our favor due to the stand take by Palm Beach County. I don’t think the road is going to be built. Annexation will be complete and we will get the wedge.”

“Palm Beach County has removed the right of way for the road and submitted it to the [Department of Community Affairs]. We recently had a meeting with developers of the wedge. They want us to get more involved. The rest of [Broward County] wants the road to go through. They don’t care. I don’t think they have the money to build the road. But we want to make sure the road stays off the map.”

Commissioner Jared Moskowitz wanted members of the City Commission to attend future meetings of the Broward MPO. “If we attend the meetings and start showing our faces, it will make it difficult for them to push their agenda.”

As decided by the commission, Udine and Mark Weissman, the new Parkland Vice Mayor, will attend the next meeting of the Broward MPO.