The most contentious topic was the proposed food truck park, which drew significant public comment and expert testimony. Residents expressed concerns about the park’s impact on their community, emphasizing noise pollution, traffic increase, and potential safety issues. A valuation expert testified that the park could lead to a decrease in property values by 8% to 10% for Pelican Watch units and up to 30% for adjacent single-family homes, primarily due to noise from outdoor activities and live music. The expert also noted that there are no existing case studies of food truck parks directly adjacent to residential areas, making it difficult to predict the full impact.

Discussion further revealed that while the Fort Myers Beach Comprehensive Plan does not explicitly address food truck parks, the proposal was seen as inconsistent with the plan’s vision for quiet residential areas. Residents, including representatives from the Pelican Watch Homeowners Association, voiced their opposition, likening the development to a detrimental change to the neighborhood’s character. They argued that the commercialization of beach access points should not come at the expense of residential tranquility.

In response to these concerns, the agency considered several conditions to mitigate the park’s impact. These included restrictions on live music, limiting it to specific days or events, and enforcing noise ordinances. The proposal also included a comfort station with public restrooms, which was defended as a community benefit despite concerns about misuse.

The agency also delved into the technical aspects of the proposed park, such as parking and traffic management. An expert emphasized the need for a comprehensive traffic impact study to assess the development’s effects on the already congested Estero Boulevard. Concerns were raised about the lack of such a study, which could clarify whether the park would generate more or less traffic compared to developments allowed by right.

Amid the debate, procedural issues were addressed, including the qualifications of expert witnesses and the acceptance of documents into the hearing record. The agency grappled with the challenge of balancing public input, expert testimony, and regulatory frameworks while making decisions on the project’s future.

Aside from the food truck park, the meeting addressed a variance request for Santini Plaza, where the agency approved increased signage allowances to enhance visibility for a multi-unit complex. The approval included conditions to prevent excessive signage, focusing on maintaining the aesthetic of the area while accommodating future development needs.

The meeting also touched on a proposed ordinance to approve commercial plan development zoning for a mobile vendor food truck park. The agency discussed the importance of a methodical approach to zoning changes.