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Council approves downtown statue, outdoor dining permits and honors community volunteers
Summary
Council recognized Sam Noe award winners, proclaimed Red Cross Month, approved a life‑size bronze of Don Wynne in the downtown via, and granted outdoor dining permits for Rosati's Pizza and Baba Persian Bistro, all with conditions on space and life‑safety plans.
Naples City Council used part of its March 18 meeting for routine recognitions and several land‑use and permitting votes.
Awards and proclamations: The council presented the 2026 Sam Noe Award to John Cross and read a resolution honoring his service on the Planning Advisory Board. Mayor Teresa Heitman proclaimed March as American Red Cross Month; John McKinnon of the Red Cross thanked council for the recognition.
Public art: Council approved a life‑size (72‑inch) bronze statue of Don Wynne proposed for a covered pedestrian via at the new mixed‑use building at 1091 1st Avenue South. The Design Review Board unanimously recommended approval subject to an ADA‑compliance condition; council amended the condition to confirm that the applicant will ensure compliance and that staff will verify before final signoff.
Outdoor dining: Council approved two outdoor‑dining petitions: • Rosati’s Pizza (818 Neapolitan Way) — petitioner presented a plan for 4 tables and 16 chairs occupying under 100 square feet; staff confirmed the life‑safety plan and recommended a standard condition limiting future expansions to council review. Council approved the resolution unanimously. • Baba Persian Bistro (865 5th Avenue South) — the request consolidated prior approvals and added three heaters on public property and established private‑property dining (9 tables, 38 chairs). The city recommended conditions including a life‑safety plan, limits on square footage (206 sq ft public, 485 sq ft private) and a right‑of‑way agreement with insurance. Council approved the petition 6–1 (Council member Kramer opposed).
Planning and public input: Staff said all petitions were reviewed by relevant departments (fire marshal, planning, police) and that appropriate notices were sent to nearby property owners; no public correspondence had been received on the three items prior to council votes.
Next steps: Staff will record conditions and ensure permitting and life‑safety requirements are met before final implementation.
