In a recent city council meeting, officials discussed the redesign of the Naples pier, focusing on the relocation of the concession building and community concerns regarding the project. The council approved a design in October 2023 that moves the concession area from over water to an upland location, following guidance from FEMA, which prohibited structures over water. The new design aims to enhance existing facilities, including doubling shaded areas and renovating bathrooms and picnic spaces.

However, council members expressed significant concerns about the scale and impact of the new concession area. Some argued that the proposed facility could lead to increased congestion at the pier's entrance, potentially disrupting the historic character of the site. Councilmember Penman emphasized that the pier should prioritize passive recreation, such as fishing and sightseeing, rather than becoming a commercial hub. She noted that a survey indicated food concessions ranked low among residents' priorities for the pier.

Several council members suggested scaling back the concession's size or eliminating it altogether, advocating for basic amenities like restrooms and water fountains instead. They expressed worries that a large concession could attract crowds and noise, negatively affecting nearby residents. The idea of vending machines for snacks and drinks was proposed as a compromise to provide convenience without the complications of a full concession operation.

The council reached a consensus to reconsider the current design, aiming to maintain the pier's historical integrity while addressing community feedback. The city manager indicated that any redesign would incur additional costs and require a permit modification, but it could ultimately save money by reducing the need for extensive construction. The discussion highlighted the balance between enhancing public amenities and preserving the character of one of Naples' top tourist destinations.