As currently proposed, the Moss Marina hotel commericial development on Fort Myers Beach is on hold.
Here are four things to know.
1. What prompted 'pausing' Moss Marina development?
The weekend announcement by the property owners comes after members of the Beach Town Council and planning board signaled they don't plan to deviate far from the current comprehensive plan that's been in place for almost three decades. The plan is a blueprint that guides future land use, such as density.
"We have decided to pause," Moss ownership leader Ben Freeland said of a 4.5-acre proposal that would have called for up to 400 hotel rooms as part of several buildings on the bay. "We very much want to be part of the rebirth of Fort Myers Beach and are committed to proceeding in a way that is in alignment with what the community wants."
2. What's Town stance on extensively loosening growth rules?
For months, many residents have been telling leaders at government meetings not to extensively loosen growth plan rules in the aftermath of Hurricane Ian, which leveled a lot of Estero Island last year. And that sentiment continued at a joint gathering last week of the two boards, where town council members said they expect to eventually vote to keep the plan largely intact.
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3. How does Margaritaville fit into Beach development debate?
A project like the rising 254-unit Margaritaville was able to be constructed under the plan, and that set a reasonable bar, as noted by long-time resident Nancy Walker, who received agreement from many at the meeting.
"We held (the developer's) feet to the fire with Margaritaville. That should be our basis, our goal. and everything else should follow at that level,” Walker said. “We love the vibe on Fort Myers Beach. (That) is why we’re here. That’s why many of us came here. I started coming here over 50 years ago. We originally bought on Marco, and we didn’t like the big, tall buildings on the beach.”
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4. How will a mostly intact comp plan affect Fort Myers Beach growth?
Mayor Dan Allers said the current comp plan is not going to hold back the rebuilding process, noting the tens of millions of dollars spent purchasing property with plans to redevelop.
“I don’t think you invest that kind of money if you don’t think it can work,” Allers said. “The comp plan as it was written 28 years ago allowed for things to happen.”