Outdoor display code ready for hearings
The delicate balance of keeping Fort Myers Beach “funky” while protecting the character of the community by not allowing a “flea market effect” has been one of the tasks of Town leaders.
The Fort Myers Beach Town Council held another review of a proposed ordinance regarding outdoor display merchandise within the downtown zoning district in a workshop Monday morning and tightened language to help regulate Beach merchants and their product in the open air.
The discussion about changing regulations to the established 2003 ordinance on the issue began in early 2013, and has continued with a “working group” involving Beach merchants and Council work sessions since. New codes discourage retail displays in Town right-of-ways.
Vice Mayor Dan Andre had previously chaired work sessions with the informal “working group” to establish better clarity with zoning sections in the Town Land Development Code. Sixteen business violations were noted for not having proper permits. Andre remained adamant about too much government involvement, especially when it comes to a count of various merchandise items to meet the code.
“Get government out of the retailer space,” he said. Let them display as they want to display.”
The established ordinance has language that states that the displayed merchandise outdoors has to be owned by the indoor business owner and carried indoors as well. Council have been pushing for more enclosed areas like an outdoor porch instead of a “market” style patio area.
Draft ordinances have been crafted, dissected and re-crafted to meet Council needs. Permits for such approved merchandise have been waived since the discussions last year.
“In my mind, there are broader questions that we have not addressed,” said Mayor Anita Cereceda. “The biggest broad question is do we or do we not want to have a policy of leasing public space, town-owned property to private business enterprises? We only do it with restaurants.”
The issue of proposed changes to a Town of Fort Myers Beach outdoor display zoning code stretches from DiamondHead Beach Resort to Times Square and down Old San Carlos Boulevard. At first, Council agreed that the first of two hearings would occur on Oct. 20, during the Council’s 6:30 p.m. meeting, and a second and final hearing in November for a possible adoption timeline. Now, it appears the issue will be introduced as an ordinance with the first public hearings on Nov. 3, at Council’s 6:30 p.m. meeting.
Council tasks Town manager with goals
Town Manager Don Stilwell has been given goals to focus on going forward into the future.
The Fort Myers Beach Town Council created a list of five suggested goals for him to concentrate on. In no particular order, the list involves acquisition of Town Hall; stormwater/ potable water; downtown CRA; branding/image with vision/mission; and Estero Boulevard improvements.
“I think the absolute No. 1 is Town Hall,” said Mayor Anita Cereceda. “Town Hall is a big picture, important issue to be resolved.”
Prior to formation of the list, Stilwell asked that the suggestions be finalized so that he could come back with suggested timelines. Now that the list is secure, he can move forward.