The Board started their meeting with a public hearing for Joe’s Fresh Catch, a seafood market and café located at 23050 Via Villagio in Coconut Point. They were requesting a license to serve beer and wine to the indoor and outdoor seating area of the café, which is limited to 28 seats. Hours of service will be 10 am to 6 pm Monday through Wednesday, 10 am to 7 pm Thursday through Saturday, and from 10 am to 2 pm Sunday for both indoor and outdoor seating areas. No outdoor entertainment is permitted.
Public Comment: 1 eComment card was read into the record in opposition to this and all of tonight’s requests.
The Board approved this request.
Public Information Meeting – AT&T Cell Tower
A representative for AT&T presented a special exception request to allow a wireless telecommunications facility. They are requesting a variance to allow the construction of a 149-foot monopole 103 feet from the southern property line instead of the required 150-foot setback. The site is 3231 Coconut Road on the property of the Bonita Springs-Estero Elks Lodge.
The AT&T representative stated that, due to COVID, many more people are using communication systems increasing the need for coverage and capacity, which is not being met off of Coconut Road. This site was selected as many of the properties in the area are residential. This pole will also be used by other carriers in the future and will not be lit at night. (Presentation)
Staff recommended AT&T reach out to the community to let them know what is planned.
Public Comment: 5 residents spoke and 1 eComment card was read into the record in opposition to this cell tower proposal.
No voting occurs during public information meetings.
Public Information Meeting – The Grove
A public information meeting was conducted for The Grove which will be requesting a rezoning to allow outdoor consumption of alcohol in the proposed restaurant/bar area, outdoor “food court” area and hotel/motel and/or retail uses. They presented their concept of an outdoor collection of unique restaurants and shops in a park-like setting, with the building oriented toward Ben Hill Griffin Parkway.
They are proposing to have six kitchens with indoor and outdoor seating, outdoor covered seating and outdoor uncovered seating areas. The outdoor area will include trellises and outdoor lights, with a dense hedge to keep customers contained within the area. They also plan to provide music. (Presentation)
Public Comment: 4 residents and over 50 eComment cards from residents in Tidewater and Grandezza were read into the record in opposition to this proposal. 1 eComment card was in favor of this proposal.
No voting occurs during public information meetings.
Residents may view the archived meeting by going to the Village website https://estero-fl.gov/agendas/