There’s a new proposal on Fort Myers Beach that has sparked some strong feelings among residents. A food truck park is being planned right in front of the Pelican Watch condo building. This spot is not far from the beach and is considered a prime location on the island.
Recently, the town council approved this proposal for a second hearing. The council will discuss it again on April 7. The plan includes building a food truck park along with a structure for live music. However, this development has raised concerns for many condo owners at Pelican Watch.
The Pelican Watch is home to 48 units, and many owners are worried about how close the food truck park will be to their pool—just seven and a half feet away. They fear noise from live music might disrupt their peaceful beach living and lead to increased traffic, littering, and even safety issues associated with alcohol sales. There’s also concern that their property values could drop and that local businesses might suffer as well.
During a long council meeting, residents expressed their worries. Kirk Banarian, a condo owner, pointed out potential safety risks if the project goes ahead. Similarly, Councilmember Scott Safford highlighted the importance of ensuring that customers don’t park in nearby residential areas.
Currently, the project requires a deviation from local rules that typically require a 15-foot buffer from property lines. The developers want to set the food truck park only seven and a half feet from the neighboring pool, and 10 feet at other areas. This is mainly due to the way the land is arranged in that part of Fort Myers Beach.
The proposed park will be built where a home once stood before being damaged by Hurricane Ian. The developer, James Hotka, has plans to create spaces for food trucks and a beer garden where live music would be played. This is a significant concern for residents like Randy Briesath, president of the condo association, as it might impact the quiet enjoyment of their homes.
To address some of the objections, developers offered to limit the days and hours of live music. They also mentioned regulating the type of music, particularly restricting percussion instruments without special permits. Vice Mayor Jim Atterholt regarded this as a positive step.
Despite the proposed compromises, many residents are still worried. Some have even seen a drop in interest for their condos due to the food truck park proposal. After Hurricane Ian, the Pelican Watch condo owners invested $10 million in renovations, only half of which was covered by insurance. They are still trying to overcome the financial burdens left in the storm’s wake.
The council remains focused on addressing concerns. They want to ensure that the approval of this project includes plans for parking and adequate distances between the food truck park and the Pelican Watch’s amenities. The outcome of the upcoming hearing on April 7 will likely determine how this project moves forward.
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