Mobile rest rooms targeted for other sites
The Fort Myers Beach Town Council looked at alternative sites for the placement of four Tourist Development Council-funded mobile restrooms, which were originally designated for public usage at beach access locations. The council members allowed public input on the matter before engaging in further discussion as part of its workshop agenda Monday afternoon.
The original designations, which were recommended by Town staff, were set for installation at Palm Avenue, Connecticut Street, Dakota Street and Aberdeen Avenue after the Town was successful with its TDC grant request. But, after council gave staff its approval on the proposed sites and town officials notified owners of properties abutting the affected beach accesses, many residents and legal representatives expressed their concerns during public input at a mid-November meeting. Additional information was deemed needed for reevaluation. Thus, the agenda item was added to the Monday workshop.
After the discussion, new proposed sites were mentioned and may be up for trial basis during the season months. They include using the larger mobile facility at the undeveloped county park south of Times Square and smaller units at the beach access at Palm Avenue (to the north of Diamondhead Beach Resort) and either in the parking lot south of Junkanoo’s on the Beach or in Santini Marina Plaza. The fourth facility could be mobilized for transporting to Beach events.
Five residents chimed in during public comment and offered insight while showing their disfavor of having bathroom facilities next to their properties or on residential beach accesses in general.
“Due to the validity of our legal concerns, our general nuisance concerns, our property value issues and our enjoyment on the use of the property, I think the proper solution is to locate these on public places where the issues just simply do not exist,” said Beach property owner Scott Saveraid.
“I would like to commend the town council for really taking this issue seriously and thinking about the needs, not only for property owners, but of users of the beach,” said Beach resident Janet Salien. “I think the way that the study was done to decide where these facilities would be placed is in question. I would imagine that it would be logical to place toilet facilities at areas of the highest traffic and use. I hope that the town council would consider not only matters of emotion and aesthetics, but also these issues about enjoyment of life and necessity for everyone who loves this beautiful island.”
The council members weighed in after public comment and the possible locations were kicked around. Councilman Bob Raymond also suggested posting signs at beach accesses to let the public know where the closest mobile facility could be found.
“I can support this motion because it acknowledges the public input that we’ve had, and what we are discussing is responsive to the public input,” said Councilman Alan Mandel. “I think it also gives staff direction to implement this in time for season rather than delaying. It also gives us the ability to study this through the season.”