Planning Board is Unanimous, Despite Concerns

If Marco’s Utility Manager Jeff Poteet had worn a cardigan sweater to the Planning Board Meeting last Friday, you’d have thought he was hosting a segment on the TV show “Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood” from years past. 

Poteet presented the Utility Department’s segment of the 2040 Comprehensive Plan for the Ten-Year Water Supply Facilities Work Plan. He walked Planning Board members through all the details to provide them with a better understanding of how and where our water is secured. 

Poteet gave a comprehensive overview of the community’s Water/Wastewater System, with the emphasis on the water portion of the utility for planning board members.

The Planning Board supported the report by a unanimous vote.

The board also moved forward to vacate a utility easement between two properties located at Seahorse Court. The properties were joined together to allow the owner to build a home. The Planning Board voted 7-0 to approve.

A site development plan was presented for a full-service, 268-seat restaurant located at 1202 Bald Eagle Drive. As part of their overall parking requirements, there will be five boat slips. Parking was a major discussion regarding the presentation. 

The restaurant’s property owners have also acquired the property where Marek’s Restaurant is located. Marek’s will remain in operation until the new restaurant opens. The older building will be utilized for production of food. The 28 parking spaces associated with Marek’s will be encompassed in the new restaurant’s overall plan.

A traffic report prepared by Public Works Director Tim Pinter’s office showed no issues with traffic. However, neighborhood residents vehemently disagreed, citing parking and traffic concerns they have had over the last several years.

The Ad Hoc Parking Committee identified this on their list as a priority concern to be addressed. However, City Council has only moved forward on spending approximately $1 Million to clean up the alleyway running between Amazon Court and Saturn Court, located behind a number of North Collier Boulevard restaurants.

Although some Planning Board members questioned the parking agreement, Vice Chair Larry Honig strongly opposed doing anything other than following the existing codes. “I’m for small government,” said Honig.

Planning Board Chairman Jason Bailey described a scenario where the Marek’s property might be used for overflow dining. The developer came forward and confirmed that it will not be used to serve guests or private parties, agreeing to wording that would prevent it.

Marco Inn Villas owners Crystal and Charles Bono questioned the traffic study, and the parking issues, as did other neighbors. “It is a circus down in this area,” said Bono.

Chairman Bailey said this will impact the neighborhood and hoped the council would deal with the other issues. The board gave its unanimous approval, despite the parking and traffic concerns of neighbors, and sent the matter on to the Marco Island City Council for action.