Commissioners approve amendment to Hancock Bridge Marina plan; fewer boat slips, taller dry storage approved

Lee County commissioners voted to approve an amendment to the Hancock Bridge Marina commercial plan development on Feb. 18, a change staff said reduces boat slips to conform with manatee-protection measures while allowing an increase in the height of a proposed dry-storage building.

Adam Mendez of community development summarized the application and said the site (about 5.5 acres south of Hancock Bridge Parkway) would incorporate uses complementary to existing permitted marina operations. Staff noted the approval's net changes include a reduction in boat slips "for consistency with the manatee protection plan" and a proposed increase in building height for a dry-storage barn depicted in the concept plan. The hearing examiner recommended approval subject to conditions.

Board members asked about compatibility, hours, limits on food trucks and alcohol, and whether architectural renderings were available. Project planner Cindy Land said renderings are not prepared at this stage and "would be done during development order," adding they must be consistent with the North Fort Myers overlay. Engineer Hans Wilson described tall dry-storage systems and said five-tier dry storage and mechanized gantry systems are widely used, responding to a commissioner's question about a proposed 135-foot structure: "The technology of dry storage today is pretty amazing, in terms of lasers and placement."

Commissioners moved and seconded the hearing examiner's recommendation; no objections were recorded and the motion carried. Staff confirmed conditions included noise and hours limits and other compatibility measures to address public concerns.

The development-stage review will include architectural details and any required mitigation measures. The approval modifies the commercial plan development; specific building permits and development-order requirements remain subject to later review.