Times Square ‘space’ goes to RFP process
The right to rent space within what at least one Town official calls “the most prime real estate on Fort Myers Beach” is officially going through a Request For Proposals process, one that will also involve a Request For Qualifications -where a business qualifies based upon its criteria.
The Fort Myers Beach Town Council consensually approved to have Town Attorney Dawn Perry-Lehnert draw up the documentation pertaining to a paver area inside Times Square that is currently leased out to Tours and Information Center, Inc. The RFP is expected to seek a business that would promote any business, any organization and supply public information to all visitors.
After a required 30 days to advertise the RFP, the issue is expected to come back to Council at its Dec. 7 meeting. A potential lessee may be determined then.
During discussion, Council members offered their viewpoints on best use within the pedestrian walkway. All agreed that some form of public information should remain there, but held the same opinion to keep an option open to have a business lease out seasonal space within a special event clause.
“Unless there is additional space, you can lease it to let’s say a car dealership to pay for the fireworks, maybe we would have to make accommodations,” said Councilman Alan Mandel. “My idea is public information in a public space most of the time.”
Vice Mayor Dan Andre would like Tours and Information Center, Inc. to continue to have its 64 square foot kiosk there, but would also like to see the Chamber “Roxie” information trailer there as well. He believes both could occupy that 300 square foot area.
Back in February, the Chamber airstream vehicle briefly occupied the space next door to Tours and Information Center, Inc., but had to move its visitor information center from its perch in Times Square less than one month later due to an exclusivity clause in the business permit.
The lease agreement for Tours and Information Center, Inc. expired on Sept. 30. That business has been running on a month-to-month lease until Town officials come up with a full-time game plan.
“I think the chamber of commerce’s presence is also important to be there,” said Andre.
FMB Chamber president Bud Nocera believes Times Square public information would serve a great “economic impact” for all businesses on the Beach.
“Small businesses across this island rely on a good information center to boost their revenues, especially during season,” he said.
Several members of the community supported the Chamber’s existence within Times Square.
“It’s all about word of mouth and people spreading the good things about Fort Myers Beach,” said Amy Gillette, co-owner of The Tuckaway Bagels and Wafel Cafe. “It’s very important to use that space to promote the island and our businesses.”
Council members agreed that “maximum financial gain per square foot” is part of a goal for the policy makers.
“I want someone or something there that would promote any business or any organization on Fort Myers Beach,” said Mayor Anita Cereceda. “It should have that public purpose at hand. For me, that’s far more important than price per square foot.”
Lehnert asked Council members particular questions to find specific criteria for the proposal. Council agreed that no visible advertising should be displayed on the ‘space’ structure, whether it be a kiosk or trailer or other center.
“Based on a little bit of research we did online, they are making a fair amount of money in respect to that advertising,” said Lehnert, about the current lessee who is paying Town officials $214 per month for rent.
It was also agreed a non-exclusive clause be attached to the potential paver ‘space.’
“It belongs to the Town,” said Cereceda.
Officials from Tours and Information Center have been given the option to remain on a month-to-month lease until the situation gets resolved. Representatives of the center were told that would last until Dec. 31, 2015.