Required Neighborhood Information Meeting Pauses Mixed-Use Project Discussion

When the Planning Board convened on Friday afternoon, the Council Chambers were packed with residents expecting to hear about the proposed mixed-use project at the intersection of Valley Avenue and South Collier Boulevard. However, a glitch in the process resulted in that hearing being put off until June 2.

Mary Holden, Senior Planner, advised those in attendance that the required Neighborhood Information Meeting (NIM) had to be held between the developer and neighbors within 300 feet of the proposed project.

The Planning Board was prepared to review a Site Development Plan for a new mixed-use structure to be built on what today is known as the Marco Island Turtle Parking Lot. The new structure will be located at 711-731 South Collier Boulevard and includes the vacant lot at the corner of Valley Ave. All three parcels are owned by the same developer, Mr. Prateek Nigam, and his partners. Nigam is a resident of Marco Island.

The project itself meets all of the requirements under the Land Development Code as well as the City’s Comprehensive Plan. The developer in this case is not requesting any special considerations or credits regarding anything to do with the project.

Public notices will be sent to all those abutting neighbors, and notifications will be posted in the newspapers.

Another issue brought before the Planning Commission revolved around remedies for traffic and pedestrian problems at Bayside Court.

Under the Public Comment section of the agenda, Mr. John Alves of South Seas Condominiums made another request for help regarding the traffic issues concerning the intersection of Bayside Court and North Collier Boulevard. 

Over the years, numerous requests regarding that intersection have come before the Planning Board and the City Council. The flashing yellow lights appear to have provided little relief to pedestrian or vehicular traffic movements. Mr. Alves cited continuous disregard for those lights and the dangerous traffic conditions.

Donald Anderson, former President of the South Seas Condominium Association, along with other residents living along Seaview Court has come forward numerous times to speak before City Council in regard to this same matter.