The Fort Myers Beach Town Council on Oct. 6 voted to send the proposed development agreement for First Baptist Church’s property to second reading, a step that allows detailed land-use terms to be finalized before a final vote.

Developer Jonathan Thomas of SJ Collins and planner Jennifer Sabin presented a plan that splits the site into Parcel 1 (about 2.05 acres along Estero Boulevard for 12 single-family residential lots) and Parcel 2 (about 1.0 acre for the rebuilt church). The developer said proceeds from lot sales would fund rebuilding the church; the agreement also includes restrictions intended to limit uses such as bed-and-breakfasts, community residential homes and daily rentals.

Councilors and neighborhood participants pressed the developer on several design and public-safety issues: reduced side setbacks (as small as 5 feet on narrow lots), alley and intersection separations, emergency access, drainage and who would maintain the unified water-management system for the combined parcels. Planning consultant Jennifer Sabin said the project will add modern water-quality and detention facilities and substantial perimeter landscaping and walls to reduce light and noise impacts on existing adjacent homes.

Councilors also asked the applicants to clarify whether short-term rental rules would be more restrictive than town code; staff and the developer said the applicant may voluntarily agree to some restrictions but that code and state rules (including SB 180 limits) set legal constraints. Several council members asked for stronger, clearer language about: fire-department sign-off and design review before final permitting; how the 5-foot side setback will be applied (so that eaves, equipment and HVAC do not create substandard separations); and commitments to on-site maintenance of water-management infrastructure.

The council voted to advance ordinance 25-17 to a second reading by unanimous voice vote, with several members saying they would reserve final judgment until the next hearing after the town attorney and applicant refine and clarify conditions. The second reading will allow the council to review revised language addressing the issues raised by neighbors and commissioners.