Naples City Council approves debris removal plan at Bayview Park for pier renovation

The Collier County government meeting on February 26, 2025, focused on a significant interlocal agreement with the City of Naples regarding the use of Bayview Park for debris removal related to the Naples Pier renovation. The meeting featured a presentation by John Denick, the Executive Director of Facilities and Redevelopment, who outlined the timeline and logistics of the project.

The agreement aims to facilitate the removal of debris caused by Hurricane Ian, which severely damaged the pier in September 2022. Following the storm, the City of Naples awarded a design contract in April 2023 and a construction contract in October 2024. The overall construction is expected to take approximately 18 months, contingent upon final permits from the Army Corps of Engineers.

Bayview Park was chosen as the staging area for debris removal due to its proximity to the pier. The contractor will transport debris to the park, where it will be sorted and immediately removed to the landfill, ensuring that no debris is stored on-site. The use of Bayview Park is limited to the demolition phase, with operations scheduled from Monday to Friday, 8 AM to 5 PM, and flexibility for weekend work if necessary.

Denick emphasized the importance of maintaining access for boaters at the park, noting that the dock area would remain available when the barge is not present. The project is expected to minimize disruptions, with the barge operating a maximum of two days a week.

The proposal received unanimous support from the Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) advisory board, which recognized the project's potential benefits while addressing community concerns about traffic and stormwater management in the area. The board deemed the estimated four to six months of park use reasonable for the project's completion.

Overall, the interlocal agreement represents a collaborative effort between Collier County and the City of Naples to restore the Naples Pier while ensuring minimal impact on the surrounding community.