Council moves contested food‑truck plan and adjacent rezoning to second reading after hours‑long debate

The Town Council moved two related land‑use items to second reading on April 7 after an extended public hearing and spirited public comment. The first ordinance would expand the boundary of an existing Commercial Planned Development (CPD) to include two parcels at 2518 Estero Boulevard and 2543 Cottage Avenue. The second would amend the CPD schedule of uses and master concept plan to allow a food‑truck park, associated outdoor seating, beer and wine sales and a commercial parking lot at 2520 Estero Boulevard.

Supporters, including the property owners and project team, said the proposal replaces pre‑storm entitlements with a planned, conditioned redevelopment that includes a permanent support structure, public restrooms and a managed parking program. They described the design changes made during local planning review to reduce impacts on adjacent homes.

Neighbors and several resident groups, including Pelican Watch condominium owners and nearby single‑family owners, urged denial. Speakers cited noise, traffic, security and property‑value concerns and said the proposal would be intrusive to long‑established residential properties abutting the site. Several witnesses — including an appraiser retained by neighbors — presented written analyses they said showed likely negative property impacts. Others raised questions about onsite amplified music, special events and enforcement.

Councilors acknowledged strong public interest and contentious testimony. Council members and staff discussed several amendments the applicant had offered or the council might seek, including limiting hours of amplified live music, restricting beverage service to beer and wine, requiring a managed parking program and buffering and landscaping commitments. The applicant agreed to rework some details and to meet with staff on FEMA compliance and drainage questions before second reading.

Votes at a glance: - Ordinance (CPD boundary expansion for 2518/2543 Estero Boulevard) — motion to move to second reading: APPROVED unanimously. Second reading: April 7, 2025 at 9:00 a.m. - Ordinance (CPD amendment to allow a mobile vendor/food‑truck park at 2520 Estero Boulevard) — motion to move to second reading: APPROVED unanimously. Second reading: April 7, 2025 at 9:00 a.m.

Why it matters: The two ordinances would authorize a use not explicitly described in the town’s land‑development code — a managed food‑truck park combined with commercial parking and a permanent support structure — on parcels that abut established residences. Council advanced the items to allow more time for staff and the applicant to refine conditions on noise, parking and floodplain compliance and to give the full council a final record before voting on adoption.