STUART — Community backlash has spelled an end to plans for the proposed K-9 Social Club "dog café" at Poppleton Creek Dog Park.

The business idea pitched by resident Nathan Ritchey last month was short lived after neighbors and park users criticized the off-leash, alcohol-friendly dog café slated for the park on Southeast Central Parkway. Ritchey withdrew his proposal, Mayor Troy McDonald said Monday, after the City Commission decided to reconsider lease negotiations with him. Dog Biting Leash

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Ritchey would have leased a portion of the park to create a fenced area with AstroTurf where dog owners could buy coffee, wine, beer and snacks from a concession stand while their dogs played. The commission unanimously approved negotiations with him March 13, but backtracked after hearing concerns from members of the Stuart Model Sailing Club, which uses the park’s pond four days a week to race model sailboats, and from residents of Seaside Townhomes across the street.

Ritchey could not be reached for comment.

Sailing club members were concerned about having access to the perimeter of the pond and possibly being displaced from one of the park’s two gazebos, which would have been used for K-9 Social Club. Seaside Townhomes residents complained about alcohol, music and privatization of a public space.

"We were ecstatic that it’s not going to happen,” said Rob Finz, president of the Seaside Townhomes homeowners association. “I do not believe that alcohol should be in a dog park. I believe alcohol, humans and dogs just do not mix.”

Swivel Clasp Lina Ruiz is TCPalm's watchdog reporter for Martin County. You can reach her at lina.ruiz@tcpalm.com, on Twitter @Lina_Ruiz48 or at 321-501-3845.