Board approves Pine Island commercial-parking rezoning after extensive public comment
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Summary
The board approved rezoning 3.69 acres on Pine Island (Upper Captiva Carriage Club) to a commercial plan development for consolidated commercial parking; residents raised traffic, wildlife and spot-zoning concerns while proponents said it would aid deliveries and recovery to outer islands.
Lee County commissioners approved a rezoning request for the Upper Captiva Carriage Club property on Pine Island (DCI 202300040) after extended public comment on Feb. 18.
Beth Workman, a principal planner, said the applicant seeks to rezone 3.69 acres from AG2 to commercial plan development to create commercial parking with accessory buildings to serve Greater Pine Island and outer islands. The hearing examiner recommended approval; eight participants were on the record.
Several residents, including longtime Pine Island residents, opposed the rezoning, saying existing facilities already provide the service and warning that the change would increase traffic on narrow Maria Drive, harm native wildlife and constitute spot zoning that would change the agricultural character of the road. Christine Bloom, who identified herself as a 35-year resident, said the island has "no urgent need for this particular initiative" and warned of disruption to wildlife and access.
Supporters said the facility would consolidate staging and deliveries for contractors and residents traveling to Upper Captiva after Hurricane Ian. Christopher Holzum, an insurance public adjuster speaking for clients on Upper Captiva, said the commercial marina is now the only facility serving that island and that an organized staging area "will definitely benefit the people on Upper Captiva" by improving transport of materials and supplies.
Applicant Fred Droblic of RVI Planning and Landscape Architecture told the board the project is intended to consolidate commercial parking and logistics and is not designed to increase recreational use of the marina. He described measures to preserve on-site native trees (pawpaws), provide hedgerow screening instead of walls, and limit recreational activity; he said parks and recreation opposed expansion of recreational use at the marina.
Commissioners asked legal and practical questions; county attorneys and several commissioners reiterated that zoning decisions must be based on compatibility standards and the applicable record rather than market need. After discussion a commissioner moved to approve the hearing examiner's recommendation; the board recorded no objections and carried the motion.
The approval is for plan-level rezoning. Final design, architectural details, transport/shuttle arrangements and any required mitigation will be considered in development-order and permitting steps.
