Beach historic designation language amended
Historically important property on Fort Myers Beach or property that has retained its original character that has not yet been recognized by Town officials may be readily evaluated in the near future now that new legislation has been put in place.
The Fort Myers Beach Town Council unanimously approved an ordinance to amend an historic preservation chapter in the land development code Monday morning. The new ordinance involves revised language to historic preservation regulations and allows attorney direction to erase any concern of involuntary designation on the part of the historic property owner.
In the past, Beach cottage owners and other owners of older structures or property that has some historical value have been encouraged to preserve the traditional design of their structures to aid in the “keep it funky” character of the island.
“By changing a couple of words, we protect the idea of the historic designation of structures that would be recommended for county, state or even national recognition and yet allow us to do a little bit more with our plaque program in terms of recognizing our historic resources,” said Historic Preservation Board chairwoman Joanne Shamp.
HPB officials have crafted a brochure for the historic determination process and cottage design tradition. Within it, five categories of historic importance have been determined for the basis of evaluation: age; location/setting; function; architectural style/design; and materials/workmanship. An application has also been designed as well as a determination report.
According to current LDC regulations, the designation process may be initiated by either 1) petition of owner; 2) majority vote of HPB; and 3) request of FMB Council.
“We are basically just updating but keeping the same format,” said Shamp. “It’s a way of really celebrating our history. We hope to look at those things that are our historic cottage heritage here on the island and maybe incorporate those designs even in new re-development.”
Town LDC language is based on criteria established by Lee County and the state of Florida.
The ordinance was previously introduced on May 5, 2014 and set for public hearing on May 19. However, between those dates, it was discovered that the proposed language had “potential unintended consequences,” according to Town records. It was then returned to the Town Historic Preservation Board for further review. Revised language was approved by the Local Planning Agency on Sept. 9.
Historic Preservation Board members have been reviewing historic sites, areas, structures and building for possible designation as historic resources.
“The HBP for several years has followed the suggestion of the comp(rehensive) plan and LDC (land development code) in designating historic resources within our town and identifying plaques to celebrate their role in the Town’s history,” said Shamp back in May.
Several historically important properties on Estero Island have participated in a plaque program. Beach designees, which have risen to standards of county and state, include The Historical Society, The Historical Society Annex, The Historical Society Rain Barrel, Beach Elementary School, St. Raphael’s Episcopal Church, Pink Shell Cottage, Carter Cottage and Newton Cottage.
“We are talking about creating a similar plaque with maybe a different shape for the other categories,” said Shamp.
The ordinance amends Chapter 22 of the Town LDC. The purpose of chapter 22 of the Town LDC is “to identify, evaluate, preserve and protect historical and archaeological sites and districts” as well as “to promote the cultural, health, moral, economic, educational, aesthetic and general welfare of the public.”
Councilman Alan Mandel questioned a certain section of the amended ordinance, one that appears to limit owner involvement in the designation process.
“Property rights are at stake,” he said. “I would be in favor if some wording could be added to protect the owner of the piece of property.”
The plaque program began as a collaboration between the Historic Preservation Board, Historic Advisory Committee and the Estero Island Historical Society. It has been ongoing to recognize historic structures and sites on the Beach and to encourage preservation among property owners that qualify.
Shamp applauded such “history keepers” like AJ Bassett, Fran Santini and Jean Matthew, but acknowledged that other ways of protecting history on the island is needed.
“We need new mechanisms to keep celebrating our history,” said Shamp. “They have been the record keepers for so long.”
Citizen Recognition Program to be reinstituted
FMB Council members have agreed to bring back an awards program that has been temporarily inactive for almost three years.
The Citizen Recognition Program, which recognizes outstanding citizens, groups, organizations on businesses that have brought credit to the Town of Fort Myers Beach on an annual basis, will be reintroduced, and the Town Community Resources Advisory Board will oversee the program.
“We should do this annually and be proactive about it,” said Beach Mayor Anita Cereceda. “So whoever wants to nominate someone can.”
Awards can go to individuals or businesses that fit one of five categories: 1) arts and culture; 2) athletic achievement; 3) beach heritage; 4) youth award of merit; and 5) Council award.
In the past, plaques have been awarded to successful nominees in more than one category selection. Now, only one nominee from either of the five categories will be awarded yearly.
“Maybe we should have a citizen of distinction, only one person each year,” said Cereceda.
December 15 has been the deadline and is expected to remain the deadline. All nominations received by Dec. 15 are eligible for awards in February of the following year.
If interested, go to www.fortmyersbeachfl.gov and click on “For Islanders” to find more information and the nomination form for award. Forms are also available at Town Hall.
“I think it would be nice to honor someone in our town every year,” said Cereceda.