Newton Park project follows course
With an application for zoning near completion and a proposed master concept plan in place, Newton Park at 4650 Estero Blvd. is on track to becoming a fully functional facility, according to director Theresa Schober.
Schober, along with landscape architectual consultant Greg Diserio of David M. Jones and Associates, led a discussion on the project’s zoning application and reviewed a schedule of uses for the property at the Cultural and Environmental Learning Center Advisory Board meeting Thursday.
The application will be submitted to the town’s Community Development Department in the near future. From there, Schober said it will go through the proper channels to ‘fulfill the objectives outlined in the town’s grant agreements with state and local agencies.’
“Part of the intent of using a plan development instead of a traditional zoning category is because we have the freedom to limit the uses of the property,” said Schober. “From that point, community development writes a staff report and a public hearing will be scheduled in front of the Local Planning Agency. Property owners within 500 feet of the park are notified at the public hearing for a change in zoning and then LPA will, by resolution, make a recommendation to the Town Council about a change in zoning of the property. At which time, it will then go to the town council who will bring it up at a public meeting.”
Since the beginning of the year, the Newton Park project has undergone changes including the addition of a portable restroom, new landscaping, a paid parking lot, picnic tables and a chickee hut.
Future property plans include bocce courts; dune plantings bordering the beach-side sea wall; an educational platform; and a one-way shell drive and parking area. Parallel to Estero Boulevard, this drive will extend from Strandview beach access to the south entrance of the park.
On Feb. 10, the Historic Preservation Board moved applications to designate Newton House – Seven Seas – and relocate and/or demolish the Newton Cottage. The following day, Schober, Diserio and Frank Shockey, the Interim Community Development director, met to review the property’s zoning application.
Both applications on the Newton buildings will be reviewed on March 10.
The Newton Park project is funded by the Tourist Development Council and the Town of Fort Myers Beach.