One of the third rails of politics on Marco Island certainly has to be regulating vacation rental units on the island.
On one side sits Realtors who fear an onslaught of over-regulation.
On the other side sits homeowners who merely wish a little reprise from homes packed to the rafters with rowdy vacationers looking to enjoy some great times with family and friends on what has become a popular spot here in Southwest Florida.
Six years ago, a committee looked at the issue, but they fell short of their goal – what was eventually sent to council for consideration was moved to the famous circular file and never saw the light of day, never mind any serious discussion.
Recently, some of the same individuals who served on that original committee again were exchanging thoughts about how the issue should be handled.
The Marco Island Area Association of Realtors was represented by the team of Marv Neddles and Paul Tateo. They came forward to inform the board that their group was assembling a “task force” to look into the issue, but cautioned that they didn’t want to see an omnibus piece of legislation that would be harder to manage than the problem they are trying to address.
“We recognize there are issues out there,” said Neddles as he addressed the board. “We want to find something that works for everyone.”
The discussions also came back around to code enforcement.
“Why don’t we just enforce the ordinances we have on the books regarding noise, trash and parking,” said attorney Craig Woodward. “A new ordinance doesn’t mean we’ve resolved anything. Enforce the regulations we have before we go further down this road.”
“We are not interested in destroying the rental business or imposing unnecessary regulations, but we have a problem and we need to have it addressed,” said Planning Board Chairman Monte Lazarus halfway through the discussions.
Kelly Linman of Osprey Court cautioned the board to “identify the scope of the problem before we decide how big of a net to cast. I’m seeing a lot of things in the draft legislation that just doesn’t fit the issues.”
Several owners who have had rental units next to them or in their neighborhoods asked that the board take the issue seriously and hoped that they would move forward to provide them with some relief.
Crystal Shores timeshare
The SDP (site development plan) for the longawaited completion of that project at the intersection of Winterberry and South Collier Boulevard took a lot less time than did the examination under the microscope than the layout for the public beach access point did.
Question after question came as to the design and many of the minor accoutrements being planned for that walkway originally promised almost seven years ago. Details covered from whether or not to light the pathway, what trees or shrubs were to be planted, to the shower at the end of the boardwalk.
The developer and its representatives went into a painstaking effort to assure board members of the details.
The final development of the property would complete a plan for that site first approved several years ago, but was only partially completed due to the downturn in the economy.
Marriott site plan review
All seven members of the board received one of the largest packets of support documentation ever seen at a Planning Board meeting. The packet itself weighed almost 25 pounds and had reams of paperwork and construction plans for review.
However, it passed through the review process in record time, with a minimum of questions or discussions. The plans were so concise and detailed some in the audience seemed to miss two major points about the finalized presentation.
Gone are two major points of contention during the months of hearings and discussions prior to this review in both the board and by the city council. Gone are both the elevated tennis courts and the extra cooling tower on the east side of Collier Boulevard. Also reduced in size is one of the main ballrooms.
A look around the room found hardly an eyebrow raised or a question as to why. The SDP passed by a 7-0 margin with hardly any debate.
Written by
Steve Stefanides
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