CCP to request county board oppose changes
The Captiva Community Panel discussed the county’s proposed amendments to the Captiva Code in the Land Development Code and the Captiva Community Plan in the Lee Plan during its recent meeting.
On June 13, the panel voted unanimously to request that the Lee County Commission reject or withdraw county staff’s proposed LDC changes at its June 20 meeting and reject or withdraw proposed Plan changes at its Zoning and Comprehensive Plan Amendment hearing set for June 21.
It also voted unanimously to authorize President Jay Brown to spend up to $25,000 for the cause.
As sections of the amended language addressed the South Seas Island Resort, Panel Member and resort Regional Managing Director Bob Walter recused himself from voting due to the conflict of interest.
Prior to the votes, Vice President David Mintz provided an overview of the proposed changes.
He explained that the LDC amendments would change the building height limitation from 25 feet above the base flood elevation to 35 feet, effectively allowing for three-story structures. Also, based on South Seas’ future zoning category, it could go up to 45 feet or even 75 feet with a special request.
An additional amendment would add language exempting South Seas from the density cap of three units or three hotel units per acre. Another would remove references to an administrative interpretation that governs South Seas and requires compliance or the regulations for the rest of the island kick in.
As for the changes to the Plan, Mintz explained that Captiva has a goal outlined to limit building heights to one- and two-story buildings. The amendments would remove the number of stories.
He noted that the typical process for any proposed development or change to the LDC and Plan involves holding an informational meeting, usually at a panel meeting, so the community can provide feedback. However, county staff have said they initiated the process so no meeting was required.
“No one ever approached this panel or this community and asked what we thought,” Mintz said. “Without any consultation with the panel, without any consultation of property owners.”
“Most troubling is disenfranchising what Captiva and the community will look like,” he added.
Mintz also pointed out that the panel and Sanibel have been working on potentially connecting Captiva to the city’s central sewer system to eliminate septics and improve water quality. Without knowing South Seas’ development plans, the system may not be able to absorb the density and it might not work.
IN OTHER NEWS
– Lee County Sheriff’s Office Lt. Mike Sawicki reported that there have been some thefts of fishing equipment and small items from boats and boat docks. He advised the public to secure items of value.
Sawicki also suggested property owners check that their security cameras are operational.
To reach TIFFANY REPECKI / trepecki@breezenewspapers.com, please email