Residents Raise Concerns

A proposal to redevelop the former Sanitasole property on Marco Island is in the works, again.

The property, located at 218 South Barfield Drive, once served as an adult daycare facility. After management sought to turn it to a 24-hour facility, it was closed due to its inability to meet certain building code and fire safety requirements for overnight stays.

The facility was owned by Triad Real Estate Investors and operated by Richard Robinson and Paula Camposano-Robinson. In late 2016, the corporate entity was administratively dissolved for failure to file its 2016 Annual Report with the State of Florida, but was reinstated in January 2017.

In March 2018, Triad Real Estate Investors sold the property to Centerfield of Marco Island, a Georgia Limited Liability Corporation with offices located at 4488 N. Shallowford Road, Suite 103, Atlanta, Georgia.

The lots on both sides of the 218 South Barfield location (208 and 228 South Barfield Drive) were also purchased by Centerfield of Marco Island in March of 2018, creating a total acreage of approximately 1.3 acres.

Late last month, a neighborhood public information meeting was held to discuss preliminary plans to construct an 86-bed facility on the site, which includes 44 beds for assisted living and another 42 beds for memory/dementia care. The proposal was presented by Robert Mulhere, president of the Naples engineering and planning company, Hole Montes, Inc. 

Mulhere was peppered with questions about what would happen if the facility failed to be profitable. “I am concerned this will become a drug or alcohol rehab facility,” said homeowner Stephen Mariani. This question was repeated throughout the meeting, in addition to concerns about the density added to the neighborhood and potential for increased traffic.

Citizens for a Better Marco Chairperson Christine Dowell questioned where patients, especially those with dementia or memory care issues, would be able to exercise and enjoy the fresh air, as the buildings and parking appear to dominate the campus.

Mulhere explained that the meeting’s purpose was to hear residents’ input and concerns, which he would present to his clients. He pointed out that a restaurant or other business that could create more traffic may also be built on the property. “Something could eventually go here that would be a more impactful use,” said Mulhere.

Questions regarding traffic flows, deliveries and trash were also raised by the 25 or so neighbors who attended the approximately hour-long meeting.

Mulhere estimated that he and his clients are 90 days away from bringing a proposal to the City of Marco Island, including requests for any variances or zoning changes to accommodate the development. The proposal will be presented to the Planning Board, as well as City Council, and there will be additional time and opportunities for residents to be heard.