Beach ROWs approved to be fee-based
One can now park in Estero Island right-of-ways for an annual charge by way of an issued license.
In an effort to have an island-wide consistent fee for parking in island right-of-ways, the Fort Myers Beach Town Council unanimously approved a policy for annual ROW costs at a half-cost rate of generated fees.
According to Town records, the average fee generated from a Town-owned parking space is $1,980. Thus, the annual fee to park in a 9′ by 18′ parking space would be $990 or a monthly fee of $82.50.
Town records further state the purpose of the administrative code is to protect Town ROWs from potential loss of title to previously acquired ROWs, to avoid delays regarding transportation and to avoid delays to Public Works projects.
Code language states the code intent is to provide options on how to handle encroachments with the basic principle being no person or entity can lawfully occupy or use Town ROWs without authorization. The code also provides a process for commercial businesses to obtain a license to continue using ROWs by submitting an application, being reviewed and then granted if approved.
The new Town rule can also prevent a encroachment from being a safety hazard. Citations may be issued for unauthorized uses, while repeated offenses may face legal proceedings.
“There will be an administrative code of ordinance coming to you probably on (June) 15,” said Town Attorney Derek Rooney.
Mayor Anita Cereceda questioned if a higher premium should be staked to the busier downtown zoning district, but Town Public Works Director Scott Baker stated numbers were close on a street-by-street basis.
“The old meters at the Beach accesses in the past (showed that) the revenue wasn’t there. Now, its being shown that they are being used quite a bit,” he said. “The numbers didn’t change that much between (Town) sections.”
Town staff did incorporate Council recommendations to the administrative code, says Town Principal Planner Matt Noble. The ROW costs will be implemented into a fees schedule. Each application will be reviewed on a case-by-case scenario.
Cereceda drove up and down many Beach side streets and noticed many commercial businesses using the Town ROWs along the sides of streets. Baker said many businesses have parking incorporated into individual construction plans, but prior Town regulations have not required them to provide such information.
“The construction sites really impose on the neighborhoods,” she said.
Construction staging was discussed at Council’s recent special workshop. Staging is now subject to cost with the imposed policy.