After being unable to make a recommendation to the Town Council last month because of an even number of members in attendance, the Fort Myers Beach Local Planning Agency will vote again Tuesday on a Food Truck Merchant Plaza at 2500 and 2510 Estero Boulevard.
In January the LPA could not advance the plan one way or the other after two 3-3 votes (Doug Eckman was absent). The mission of the LPA is to give a project a thumbs up or thumbs down and move it onto the Town Council.
Debbie and Jamie Hotka and Dan Myers are proposing the Food Truck Entertainment Park on property they own at 2500 and 2510 Estero Boulevard across from the old Town Hall property. The lots have been empty since Hurricane Charlie. The property was home to several restaurants in the past such as The Holmes House, Smitty’s on the Beach and The Mucky Duck.
If approved and built the park would be called Access 26 to coincide with beach access 26. Myers told the LPA that their goal is to create a nice place for families on the island. “Our goal is not to bring Times Square to this property.”
The plan pitched to the LPA in January is for at least five pads for food trucks, a permanent support structure with restrooms, outdoor seating, entertainment, a recreation area, and paid parking. The proposed hours of operation are 7am to 10 pm seven days a week. Outdoor entertainment is proposed to run until 9:00 pm.
Residents that live in homes, or are rebuilding, were not in support of the project. Several Cottage Avenue property owners as well as the President of the Pelican Watch condo board spoke out against the Food Truck venue during the public comment portion of the LPA meeting Thursday.
Concerns included overflow parking onto their streets, a 24-hour parking lot, the constant smell of food and the possibility of rodents. They said they are not opposed to development, not even in that spot. But, they believe this type of business is not compliant with a residential neighborhood.
If the project does get approved, the park could be open by next season. The applicants also acknowledge that if there is too much opposition they do not plan to push too hard. Option B would be to turn the lots into an 80-spot commercial parking lot.
Is this beachfront? Would much rather have a beachfront restaurant with a view!
It is not beachfront. It is an along Estero Boulevard. There are several beachfront properties between the proposed food truck park and the Gulf
But it is adjacent to a public beach access so very convenient for beachgoers.
Put it where the Wyndam was, and include beach access.
Yes to the food park. Every other monstrosity is being approved, so why not this.
No to food court project. It does not belong in a residential area. Imagine that in ur backyard 7 days a week 12 hours a day. Yuk The owners could build it next to their house they are building on the beach.