Planning commission OKs community senior center
The Sanibel Planning Commission approved a conditional use permit to allow the Santiva Islanders to operate and function as a senior center out of a suite in the Palm Ridge Plaza at its recent meeting.
On April 14, the commissioners voted unanimously 7-0 on a resolution approving the permit application to allow an institutional use to operate in Unit 11 in the center, at 2330 Palm Ridge Road, located within the Town Center General Commercial District. The application was submitted by applicant Bernard Arroyo on behalf of property owner Nancy Bass Cooke.
It was approved subject to the following staff-recommended conditions, with two amendments:
– Palm Ridge Plaza, Unit 11 (about 945 square feet of commercial floor area), is approved for institutional use (Santiva Islanders).
– Accessory uses associated with the senior center shall be clearly incidental and subordinate to the primary use, including but not limited to: meeting and event activities for civic, educational, and social purposes; and recreational, wellness, and educational programs.
– Such uses shall not result in operational characteristics (including but not limited to traffic generation, noise, or hours of operation) that exceed those evaluated as part of the approval, unless otherwise reviewed and approved by the planning commission. A Business Tax Receipt shall be obtained prior to the commencement of operations.
– No on-site food preparation shall be permitted as part of the approval. Any proposal for on-site food preparation shall require additional review and approval by the planning commission.
– A permit shall be obtained for any proposed signage.
– A change of use (occupancy) permit shall be obtained prior to operation to implement the approved conditional use and associated conditions. The permit application shall include: a site plan identifying additional bicycle parking racks sufficient to accommodate 15-20 bicycles; and a floor plan demonstrating compliance with ADA requirements. The unit shall receive approval from the Sanibel fire marshal prior to issuance of the certificate of occupancy.
– The approved vegetation buffer shall be installed in accordance with the approved plans within 12 months of the approval.
– All exotic plant species shall be removed from the subject property, including but not limited to Brazilian pepper, melaleuca, earleaf acacia, lead tree, Java plum, air potato and scaevola species. The property shall be maintained free of such species in perpetuity.
Prior to the commission’s discussion and vote, city staff presented its report on the application.
It will function as a senior center, promoting health and wellness, as well as educational, social and recreational opportunities for older adults on Sanibel and Captiva and the surrounding areas.
The Santiva Islanders currently serves over 250 active participants.
Staff made the following findings in support of its recommendations:
– The proposed use (with recommended conditions) complies with all general requirements for conditional uses.
– The proposed use complies with all specific requirements of institutional uses.
– Additional conditions are recommended related to vegetation buffers and bike parking facilities due to the location directly adjacent to the shared use path.
The Santiva Islanders reported that the commission’s approval marks a significant milestone for it.
“This is a tremendous moment for our community,” President Katrina Wilhelm said.
The center will serve as a permanent home for the organization’s growing array of programs.
Founded in 1992 as Island Seniors and now operating as the Santiva Islanders, the organization has served the Sanibel and Captiva community and surrounding area community for over 30 years.
“We have been bringing people together to promote health, wellness and connection,” she said. “Operating in Suite 11 at the Palm Ridge Plaza gives us a permanent home to do even more of that.”
The Santiva Islanders added that it recently received preliminary approval of its application for 501(c)(3) federal tax-exempt status from the Internal Revenue Service, with a final determination letter expected in the coming weeks.
To reach TIFFANY REPECKI / trepecki@breezenewspapers.com, please email