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Council shifts pier uplands design to smaller land-side structure, keeps mid-pier seating
Summary
City Council signaled support for a smaller upland pier structure without concessions and a police restroom after staff said state and federal permits make a concession mid-pier impractical. Staff recommended proceeding with federal permitting and later modifying upland elements to avoid major permit delays.
City Council discussed final design options for the Naples Pier at the June 14 workshop and gave staff direction to pursue the smaller upland design option while preserving mid-pier seating and restroom access for law enforcement.
City staff and architect Maureen Minker (MHK Architecture) reviewed three upland alternatives: (1) the currently permitted design with a north-side concession and south-side open dining and showers; (1a) the same building footprint but all open-air pavilions (no concessions); and (2) a reduced footprint with restroom space for the Naples Police Department, limited pier storage and shaded seating. City manager Gary Young and project staff recommended option 2 as the preferred upland design.
Council and staff also discussed requests to put concessions entirely over the water. The Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) and federal permitting agencies told staff earlier in the review that over-water concession buildings are unlikely to be permitted as part of a state land lease and would trigger substantial additional permitting hurdles including revising DEP construction permits, possible Corps of Engineers re-review and FEMA coordination. Consultants said changing the currently permitted upland design while federal agencies are already reviewing the project risks losing the applicant—s place in agency queues and adding months to the timeline. The city manager—s recommended approach was to finish the current permitting and proceed with demolition and main pier work, then submit a revision on upland elements if desired.
Council members requested a final, short written timeline showing the permitting steps the city is still awaiting (Army Corps, U.S. Fish & Wildlife, FEMA) and the expected impact of a design change on the schedule. Councilmember Beth Petronoff and others voiced support for the smaller upland footprint and a dedicated restroom for police officers—use. Several members reiterated that replacing the pier and preserving mid-pier seating were council priorities.
Why it matters: The pier is a signature public amenity; the council—s decision affects design, permitting timing and the public—s experience. Staff emphasized that mid-pier seating (open-air covered seating) is feasible and that major upland changes risk multi-month agency review delays if submitted before the city receives federal authorizations.
