Work can resume on Crescent Street dock
Construction on a dock at 152 Crescent Street can proceed, Fort Myers Beach Town Council determined Monday, saying it will take no action to stop the construction of the structure some residents had claimed could make the canal almost unnavigable.
Work had commenced, but a stop work order had been issued prior to Monday’s meeting.
Council based its “no action” on decisions made by previous staff regarding such improvements spanning decades.
Mayor Anita Cereceda was upset that they were discussing a permit’s validity based on rumors.
“We see how the dock will further clog the canals, but he has the right to it. It’s a confusing area with all the possible filling issues and multiple measurements made by previous staff,” Cereceda said. “We cannot make decisions based on rumors.”
In other business:
– During council comments, Councilmember Bruce Butcher asked what can be done about people attending house parties who park across driveways, and a way to allow emergency vehicles to get through, if need be.
“If someone blocks a driveway, they deserve a ticket. People should have common sense to not block a driveway,” Butcher said.
– Councilmember Rexann Hosafros said she went on a lighting enforcement excursion on the beach and saw many people using flashlights and cellphones on the beach.
“We went past building and nine straight had violations, and have had them year-in and year-out,” Hosefros said. “People aren’t catching on.”
– Variance requests for pools at 3860 Estero Blvd., 3302 Shell Mound Blvd. and 4185 Bay Beach Lane each received unanimous approval by council.
– Council approved the continuation of the Sunset Celebration, which is put on by the Times Square Merchants Association by granting a special events permit.
– Council authorized the town manager to enter into an agreement with Coastal Engineering Consultants to inspect the town’s mooring ball system for maintenance needs town’s mooring field for a cost of $43,000. It is part of a matching grant from the state for $43,000.
– Approved to allocate and appropriate $124,523 to approve a contract with DRMP Inc. to incorporate Bayside Park and Bay Oaks parcels, including Phase 1 design and citizen participation; and authorize the Town Manager to execute the agreement.
– Authorized the Town Manager to execute a contract not to exceed $175,840 with Angie Brewer and Assoc. to perform loan compliance activities and administration required by the State Revolving Fund criteria for Estero Boulevard Phase 3B Amendment 9.