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LPA approves parking variance and outdoor-consumption special exception for The Goods; adds hours restriction and drops amplified-music limit
Summary
The Fort Myers Beach Local Planning Agency on Oct. 24 approved a parking-variance request and a special exception to permit outdoor beer-and-wine service at The Goods, 1741 Estero Boulevard; the board eliminated a proposed amplified-music restriction and limited alcohol service hours on the patio to 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.
The Fort Myers Beach Local Planning Agency on Oct. 24 approved two land-use requests for 1741 Estero Boulevard (The Goods): a variance reducing the on-site parking requirement and a special exception to permit outdoor consumption (beer and wine) on an outdoor third-floor patio located within 500 feet of dwelling units.
Staff explained the project has already received development-order approvals and is under construction; a subsequent change in the proposed uses (from lodging to a mix that includes restaurant and a childrenoriented game/arcade area) altered how the towncode calculates required parking. The new use mix increased the nominal parking requirement to 35 spaces, but the applicant proposed to provide the same 18 spaces they had planned under the previously approved scheme. Staff's analysis concluded the reduced on-site parking and special exception for outdoor consumption were supportable under the LDC and comprehensive plan; staff recommended approval with conditions.
Kara Stewart, attorney for the applicant, told the LPA the proposed Third-Floor plan is intended to be a family-focused combination of pizza, beer and wine service (a 2-COP classification), and a childrens games area (arcade-style games, not adult gambling). The applicant said the ground-floor and lower-level parking pattern and several private lots nearby provide additional walking access to The Goods and the operator expects substantial walk-in traffic.
The LPA approved the parking variance (replacing the prior variance) unanimously. For the special exception to allow outdoor alcohol service, the LPA discussed a staff condition that would have banned loud electronic beeping or similar game noise; the LPA voted to drop that condition and instead rely on town noise standards, and it added a condition limiting alcohol service hours on the patio to 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. The special exception passed with one dissention.
Next steps: The LPArecommendations for both items will be forwarded to the town council; the special exception requires council review. The applicant said it hopes to obtain financing and begin construction in the coming months.
