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COMMUNITY HOUSING & RESOURCES
Community Housing & Resources (CHR) presented the Sanibel City Council with revised renderings of its proposed Riverview II at the meeting on March 31.
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COMMUNITY HOUSING & RESOURCES
Community Housing & Resources (CHR) presented the Sanibel City Council with revised renderings of its proposed Riverview II at the meeting on March 31.
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COMMUNITY HOUSING & RESOURCES
Community Housing & Resources (CHR) presented the Sanibel City Council with revised renderings of its proposed Riverview II at the meeting on March 31.
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COMMUNITY HOUSING & RESOURCES
Community Housing & Resources (CHR) presented the Sanibel City Council with revised renderings of its proposed Riverview II at the meeting on March 31.
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The Sanibel City Council approved two ordinances, with amendments added, for a Below Market Rate Housing development proposed by Community Housing & Resources (CHR) at its recent meeting.
On March 31, city staff presented the ordinances in a second reading and public hearing.
The first entailed a conditional use permit to approve an increase in residential development density, as approved by the Sanibel Planning Commission, to allow for increased-density Below Market Rate Housing (BMRH) for the construction of a 39-unit multi-family development at 1523 Periwinkle Way — site of the former Fish House — property owned by the Coast Islands Community Land Trust.
Staff recommended approval subject to three conditions, including that all dwelling units shall be dedicated to the BMRH rental program indefinitely.
The second entailed variances to allow for the construction of the development, called Riverview II.
Staff recommended approval subject to the following conditions: contingent upon the approval of the conditional use permit for increased density BMRH; dedication of lands/easements to the city or nonprofit for conservation of lands within 200 feet of the Sanibel River; revised agreement for shared trash and recycling facilities; bike parking, and inter- and intra-connectivity; signage; landscape buffers; and future permitting of commercial development.
Additionally, it added three more based upon council’s discussion at the first reading:
– The large trees in the front buffer shall be a minimum of 15 feet in height at time of installation.
– Until developed, the area within the plans where the proposed commercial building is depicted shall be planted and maintained in accordance with the buffer standards, except the minimum required plantings is only required to meet 50% of the number of planting requirements per type and variety.
– Any proposed minor or major subdivision of the subject property is required to come before council for final approval.
In her presentation to council, Planning Director Paula McMichael addressed statements made and objections raised during the first reading, reinforcing staff’s recommended approval. She spoke about: compliance with the Sanibel Code on appearance of structures, size and mass of structures; three habitable stories; compliance with architectural standards; avoiding undue concentration for very low, low, and moderate income housing; and overall Sanibel Plan compliance.
CHR Executive Director Nicole Decker-McHale and project contractor Rachel Bielert again presented before the council, including sharing updated renderings with increased vegetation. CHR consultant R.S. Walsh Landscaping also talked about the revised buffer plans, updated following the first reading.
During public comment, nearly 20 individuals spoke in favor of approving the ordinances for the project, while about five voiced opposition. There were Sanibel residents, CHR clients and others. Lee County Commissioner Kevin Ruane offered some clarification on the $9 million in grant funding.
CHR may receive $9.75 million for the build from the U.S. Housing and Urban Development’s (HUD) Community Development Block Grant — Disaster Recovery (CDBG-DR) program via the county.
During council’s discussion and questioning, concerns about the city having to sign on as a sub-recipient for the grant funding were raised, which could make it financially responsible. Staff reported that it not think that had to be decided that day and agreed with the city not being a sub-recipient.
Questions and concerns were also voiced about CHR not hitting its required full occupancy by the deadline, which staff and CHR representatives felt was a minimal risk and would not be an issue.
Another area of discussion and concern was the rental units being occupied by non-island employees.
A motion to approve the first ordinance regarding the conditional use permit passed 4-1 with two amendments: that the language be amended to state that the council acknowledges — not agrees with — the planning commission’s finding that the application is consistent with the Sanibel Plan, and that a fourth condition be added stating that “the applicant will ensure that each resident of the development will be an employee or owner on Sanibel of a business or other organization with a principal place of business on Sanibel, an employee or business owner on Captiva of a business or other organization with a principal place of business on Sanibel, or an individual who has previously worked on Sanibel for 20 years and who is retired or disabled.”
A separate motion to approve the second ordinance regarding the variances also passed 4-1 with one amendment: that the same condition be added about the applicant ensuring eligibility of its renters.
Vice Mayor Holly Smith cast the dissenting vote on both. During the discussion and questioning leading up the motions, she shared that she did not agree that the project is consistent with the Sanibel Plan. She also said she could support two habitable stories, but that alternative was not presented.
IN OTHER NEWS
– The council voted 4-0 on a resolution upholding the planning commission’s decision to approve a conditional use permit application allowing bicycle rentals and a formula retail store, called Unlimited Biking, to operate in Unit 3 of the Islander Center, at 2407 Periwinkle Way.
Councilmember Laura DeBruce recused herself as owner of a potential competing rental company.
– The council voted unanimously 5-0 to approve a $2,148,209 grant from the Lee County Tourist Development Beach and Shoreline Funding Program for construction of a new Sanibel Fishing Pier.
– The council voted 5-0 to approve a $5.5 million grant agreement with the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development for replacement of the East Periwinkle Way bridge.
– The council voted 5-0 to approve a $2,872,810 contract with Tru Spec Mechanical for the Donax Water Reclamation Facility Post Hurricane Ian Repairs & Hardening project.
– The council voted 5-0 to approve a $2.5 million grant agreement with the Florida Department of Transportation to repair and repave certain sections of the Shared Use Path system.
– The council voted 5-0 to approve a $397,494 agreement with the EarthBalance Corporation for the Sanibel Island-wide Beach Erosion Control project.
– The council voted 5-0 to approve a $84,700 contract with Stantec Consulting Services to assist the city in determining the appropriateness of a stormwater assessment fee program.
– The council voted 5-0 to approve two building signs at the Sanibel Fire and Rescue District’s new Station 172 on Sanibel-Captiva Road as “exempt” signs.
– The council held its Annual Performance Review for City Manager Dana Souza and voted 5-0 to approve a 6% salary increase and a one-time $5,000 performance bonus, retroactive to Nov. 15.
Prior to the vote, Human Resources Director Crystal Mansell gave a presentation.
She reported that Souza received an overall score of 49.47 out of a maximum of 50 points from the council on his performance evaluations, broken down as: 50 from Mayor Mike Miller, 48.37 from Smith, 49.6 from DeBruce, 49.4 from Councilmember John Henshaw and 50 from Councilmember Richard Johnson. She noted that he scored 48.83 points last year.
Mansell reported that Souza’s current salary is $250,985.95. She provided comparisons for Cape Coral, Naples, Fort Myers, Bonita Springs, Marco Island, Fort Myers Beach and Estero, which ranged from $336,980.80 to $205,199.80.
Mansell reported that the city’s general employees received a 6% wage increase for the year, while police sergeants and lieutenants and police officers also received 6%, plus a 1% merit for union.
– The council recognized March as “Believing in Girls Month,” along with the PACE Center for Girls of Lee County, through a proclamation.
– The council recognized April as Water Conservation Month through a proclamation.
– The council recognized April as Landscape Architecture Month and April 1 as Professional Landscape Architecture (PLA) Day through a proclamation.
– The council declared April 10 as Gopher Tortoise Day through a proclamation.