Town ad-hoc group to form for Seafarer’s site
The yet-to-be-developed “strategically important” property at the foot of Fort Myers Beach that has been in a holding pattern since Lee County purchased it 4-1/2 years ago is back on the radar for Town officials.
Leaning on the advice of one of its committee leaders, the Fort Myers Beach Town Council agreed to appoint a five-person ad-hoc board to discuss issues of re-development and possible traffic solutions prior to any site reconstruction at Seafarer’s Mall property at 1113 Estero Blvd. The group was proposed to be comprised of one Council member, one Town Public Safety Committee member for traffic and safety aspects, an LPA member for planning and zoning issues, a Times Square business person for local area impact decisions and a resident in the downtown zoning district.
After Local Planning Agency Chairman Hank Zuba made a second request to form an ad-hoc committee during public comment of Council’s Monday morning meeting, Town officials decided to take the indirect action at its workshop session in the afternoon. The next step is to inquire about a list of candidates to represent the group.
“I see an ad-hoc committee as a point person for the downtown issues,” said Cereceda. “(They) would specifically look at the future of the CRA, what kind of re-development we wish to see and could potentially happen at the Seafarer’s and Helmerich (Plaza) location and be involved with that section of Estero Boulevard that we are going to be left holding the bag on once the state and county get a partner.”
Town officials have placed the “advertisement” on its website (www.fortmyersbeachfl.gov) and will notify the two aforementioned advisory boards of its decision. The official list and notification of the ad-hoc committee is expecting to be announced at Council’s Oct. 15 meeting.
On May 25, 2010, the BOCC authorized the purchase of the Seafarer’s property along with three Gulf front lots across the street (that beachfront property was constructed into Crescent Beach Family Park) for a total of $5.6 million. The Seafarer’s property cost $980,000. The closing was finalized on Sept. 15, 2010.
Originally after the demolition of the building on the site, the proposed usage was intended to be an at-grade parking lot (40 to 58 spots; reported $200,000 per year of revenue) for the short term since the property was purchased by Lee County Tourist Development Council beaches and shoreline funds. The long-range plan was aimed at a mixed-used development and re-routing traffic measures to seek alternative ways at relieving traffic congestion on Estero Boulevard during busier tourism months. There were talks about suggested shared revenue with the Town of Fort Myers Beach in proposed action.
In mid-April 2013, the County commissioners took a first step toward possible new site growth when it approved reimbursement of the $900,000 Seafarer’s purchase cost to the TDC by applying general fund reserve dollars. That action would allow a rezoning process and thus something other than a projected parking lot for Crescent Beach Family Park to happen there.
Yet, over a year later, the site remains idle and an eyesore, even though reported discussions with developers have taken place.
All along, the Town’s main goal has been to encourage the development of a public/private partnership representing the highest and best use of the entire properties in the former Seafarer’s area and to incorporate plans for improving traffic flow in the “bottleneck” portion of Estero Boulevard.
Hopefully, with the formation of an ad-hoc committee, Town officials will become more involved and proactive before any re-development is approved within the empty lot area that is at the “doorway” of Fort Myers Beach.
Council appoints committee members
The Fort Myers Beach Town Council selected several community members to serve in voluntary capacity on seven advisory boards. There are still vacancies to be filled. If interested, call 765-0202.
On the Anchorage Advisory Committee, Bob Beasley, Ted Lawwill, Katherine Light and Sam Lurie were reappointed after their terms expired. There are two unoccupied seats.
On the Bay Oaks Recreational Campus Advisory Board, Becky Bodnar and Betty Simpson were reappointed after their terms expired. There is two unoccupied seat.
On the Cultural and Environmental Learning Center Advisory Board, Barbara Hill, Betty Simpson, Cherie Smith and Ceel Spuhler were reappointed after their terms expired to fill the board.
On the Community Resource Advisory Board, Elizabeth D’Onofrio Halladay, Carla Mandel, Keri Hendry Weeg and Miffie Greer were reappointed after their terms expired to fill the board.
On the Local Planning Agency, Al Durrett, Joanne Shamp, Hank Zuba and Jim Steele were reappointed after their terms expired to fill the board.
On the Marine Resources Task Force, Keri Hendry Weeg, Tree Andre and Cristina Denegre were reappointed after their terms expired to fill the board.
On the Public Safety Committee, Al Durrett and Bruce Butcher were reappointed after their terms expired. Bill Veach and Ron Fleming were appointed to fill the board.