As you probably know by now, the Robert Rauschenberg Foundation has decided to sell its 22-acre property on Captiva located between Captiva\u2019s Village and South Seas. These 22 acres, which run from the Gulf to the bay, are substantially undeveloped and were the source of great joy and inspiration for Bob Rauschenberg. During his lifetime, he did all that he could to protect his 22 acres from development.<\/p>\n
At this time, offers to purchase the property have now been submitted from several developers, and from our community, which seeks to prevent development and preserve it for the public good.<\/p>\n
The Captiva community is represented by both the Captiva Island Fire Control District, which has offered to purchase the 9.81-acre bayfront parcels for its helicopter landing zone and other critical public uses, and a generous Captiva investor, who has offered to purchase the full 22-acre property, then sell the 9.81 bayfront acres to the fire district and work with the Captiva nonprofits, Sanibel-Captiva Conservation Foundation (SCCF) and other community representatives to determine how best to preserve as much of the remaining property as financially possible. We don\u2019t know if the Rauschenberg Foundation wishes to work separately with the fire district or prefers a single transaction for the whole property. However, under no circumstances will the fire district or community investor seek to rezone the property for increased density or building heights.<\/p>\n
We would like you to ask the Rauschenberg Foundation to sell the property to the Captiva community investor, in conjunction with the fire district. And, to do so in your own words. Your letter \u2014 which does not have to be long \u2014 should be addressed and mailed to:<\/p>\n
Courtney J. Martin, Executive Director<\/p>\n
Robert Rauschenberg Foundation<\/p>\n
381 Lafayette Street<\/p>\n
New York, NY 10003<\/p>\n
Your letter should also be emailed to the Rauschenberg Foundation\u2019s agent, Tyler Minix, at tyler.minix@nmrk.com.<\/p>\n
In your own words \u2014 being as long or short as you wish \u2014 please ask the Rauschenberg Foundation to accept the offers of the Captiva community investor, in conjunction with the fire district, for one or more of the following reasons:<\/p>\n
\u2013 Captiva cannot absorb any major new developments without seriously harming Captiva\u2019s fragile environment and placing existing residents and visitors in danger should evacuation be required during a hurricane or other natural disaster.<\/p>\n
\u2013 Bob Rauschenberg understood better than anyone the importance of preventing overdevelopment on Captiva. Preserving his 22 acres is more important now than ever, and would respect his vision and his legacy.<\/p>\n
\u2013 The fire district needs to protect the 9.81 acres of the bayfront property to maintain its helicopter landing zone for emergencies and for other critical fire safety needs to serve the Captiva community.<\/p>\n
\u2013 There is virtually no public space on Captiva. The Captiva nonprofits, including SCCF, could work together in an effort to preserve existing green space for Captiva residents and visitors.<\/p>\n
\u2013 There will now be undeveloped land available for a possible stormwater management and retention area to alleviate the persistent flooding issues in the Village.<\/p>\n
\u2013 Some of the 10 existing buildings on the properties could be repurposed to serve community needs. Others could be renovated as single-family homes consistent with current zoning and the residential uses on or near Laika Lane.<\/p>\n
\u2013 Most importantly, the property, if sold to the Community investor and fire district, will not be rezoned for hotels, condominiums or high-rise residences.<\/p>\n
Time is of the essence here, and letters should go immediately.<\/p>\n
The Rauschenberg Foundation is currently in the process of evaluating its purchase offers. We have been told that the Rauschenberg Foundation\u2019s preference is to sell to the community in order to preserve the property. But we don\u2019t know that for sure, and it is important that the community show the Rauschenberg Foundation how much we want and need to preserve and protect this property from future development.<\/p>\n
Founded in 1936 and incorporated in 1959, the Captiva Civic Association\u2019s mission is the preservation of the quality of life, ambiance and environmental integrity of the unique barrier island community. For more information, visit ccacaptiva.org<\/a>.<\/p>\n The goal of the Captiva Community Panel is to protect the coastal barrier island\u2019s natural resources, such as beaches, waterways, wildlife, vegetation, water quality and dark skies, and its history. For more information, visit captivacommunitypanel.com<\/a>.<\/p>\n Founded in 1967, the Sanibel-Captiva Conservation Foundation\u2019s mission is to protect and care for Southwest Florida\u2019s coastal ecosystems. For more information, visit sccf.org<\/a>.<\/p>\n