LEE COUNTY, Fla. – Lee County is eying a new marina and boat club to be built on Waterway Estates property in North Fort Myers.
The county held an open house public meeting Wednesday to answer questions and address concerns about the proposal.
“As with many county projects and issues, we are holding this open house so residents can interact with staff, understand the process and provide feedback,” County Manager Roger Desjarlais said.
According to a Lee County spokesperson, County Commissioners voted on March 5, 2019, to direct staff to solicit developer proposals for the property.
Safe Harbor Marinas has proposed to lease the county-owned property to develop:
- About $9 million in capital improvements
- Dry storage for 200 boats
- Wet/Floating boat slips
- Fuel dock
- Waterfront restaurant
- Pool
- Potential for a Lee County Sheriff’s Office Marine Unit substation
NBC2 scoured the neighborhood near the new proposed project. The main concern for most neighbors nearby is potential traffic.
“It’s going to get busier,” Mark Zinn said. “I mean, no doubt about that.”
Zinn said he doesn’t mind what Safe Harbor Marinas is pitching to the County Commission.
“I mean it’d be nice to have a restaurant down there, and a marina for boat gas,” Zinn said. “I wouldn’t have to go to Fort Myers all the time.”
On the other hand, Heather Manypenny, who just bought a house overlooking the Caloosahatchee River and the undeveloped property, said she’s worried this new project is going to ruin her view.
“I had heard a couple of little bits and pieces from neighbors, but we all thought that nothing was happening anymore,” Manypenny said.
Lee County Commissioners are slated to address the item at their next county commission meeting on December 7.
The post Lee County proposes new marina/boat club in Waterway Estates appeared first on NBC2 News.
