{"id":306,"date":"2025-01-23T15:53:32","date_gmt":"2025-01-23T15:53:32","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/protectfmb.org\/?page_id=306"},"modified":"2026-04-27T12:42:20","modified_gmt":"2026-04-27T12:42:20","slug":"media","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/protectfmb.org\/?page_id=306","title":{"rendered":"Media"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p>Friends and Neighbors<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>London Bay Development Proposal \u2013 Community Concerns<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>There is no such thing as a \u201cminor\u201d change to the Comprehensive Plan. What London Bay is requesting is a dramatic and unprecedented increase to the allowed Floor Area Ratio (FAR)\u2014from 1.5 to well over 3.0. Even that figure remains unclear, as the proposal does not fully define the true scope of the increase. FAR is the primary tool used to control development intensity and density. More than doubling it would fundamentally change the scale of development on Fort Myers Beach.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>This is especially concerning given that the Town has historically maintained limits to keep infrastructure aligned with pre-hurricane build-back levels. This proposal would push density far beyond those limits.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Let\u2019s be clear: no one is preventing the developer from rebuilding today under existing rules. The property could already be under construction. Instead, it has remained idle for two years while the developer prepared a much larger, more intensive proposal. With recent political changes and upcoming elections, this appears to be a narrow window to secure approvals before the community can fully respond.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>This is not about rebuilding. This is about redefining the future of the island.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Scale and Intensity of the Proposal<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Under current regulations, the developer is allowed to build to 30 feet above flood elevation\u2014roughly three stories. The current proposal seeks buildings up to <strong>177 feet tall (approximately 15 stories)<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>This is not an incremental change\u2014it is a complete departure from what has been planned and permitted.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The original Outrigger property allowed:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>144 hotel rooms<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>The proposed development includes:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>150 hotel rooms + 46 condominiums (196 total units)<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>~36% increase in residential intensity<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>An additional 30,000 square feet of commercial space<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Total development increasing from <strong>231,957 sq ft to 463,941 sq ft<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Town staff has already noted this will place <strong>increased demands on infrastructure<\/strong>, including traffic, water, and stormwater systems.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Height and Neighborhood Impact<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Buildings of this height will not exist in isolation. They will:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Loom over nearby residential neighborhoods<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Alter views and community character<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Expand high-rise development into areas where it has not historically existed<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>The Comprehensive Plan allows increased height <strong>only when surrounded by similar structures<\/strong>. That is not the case here\u2014the nearest comparable building is approximately a quarter mile away.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Approving this proposal sets a precedent. Once granted, it becomes the new standard. The next property will seek the same height, and the one after that. The character of Fort Myers Beach would be permanently altered.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Expansion into the Environmental Conservation (EC) Zone<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The proposal also seeks to:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Build a <strong>new beach bar (chickee hut)<\/strong> in the EC zone<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Expand alcohol service (\u201cconsumption on premises\u201d) across <strong>~2.5 acres of beach<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Town staff has raised serious concerns:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Alcohol service is <strong>not permitted in the EC zone by right<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Code limits expansion to roughly <strong>5,000 sq ft<\/strong>, not multiple acres<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The proposed use is <strong>more intensive than what existed previously<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The EC zone is intended to protect <strong>dunes, wildlife, and natural resources<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Potential impacts include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Damage to dunes and vegetation<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Increased litter<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Disruption to wildlife, including protected species<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Staff has also noted this is <strong>not simply a rebuild<\/strong>, but a new and more intensive use that does not meet the intent of post-hurricane reconstruction policies.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Variances Requested<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The proposal includes <strong>12 variances<\/strong>, with several major impacts:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ol start=\"1\" class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Parking<\/strong> \u2013 38% reduction in required spaces<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>FAR Increase<\/strong> \u2013 more than doubling density<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Height<\/strong> \u2013 from ~3 stories to ~15 stories<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Setbacks<\/strong> \u2013 reduced buffers, encroaching on adjacent properties<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<p>These are not minor adjustments\u2014they are fundamental departures from established standards.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Questionable \u201cPublic Benefits\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The developer cites several public benefits, but each comes with significant limitations:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>\u201cLinear Park\u201d walkway<\/strong>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Not deeded to the Town\u2014only an easement<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Controlled by the property owner (including hours)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Not available until project completion (~2032)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Counts toward the developer\u2019s FAR<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Potential liability concerns for the Town<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Public restaurant access<\/strong>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>No guarantee of affordability or accessibility<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>May rely on valet-only parking<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Operation is not guaranteed long-term<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Public restrooms, beach bar, water taxi<\/strong>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>None are guaranteed<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>All subject to future approvals and agreements<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Not permanent or enforceable public benefits<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Economic Reality<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Town staff has stated that Fort Myers Beach is in a <strong>stable financial position<\/strong>, and this development is <strong>not critical to the Town\u2019s financial future<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Bottom Line<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The Comprehensive Plan is clear:<br>Development must:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Be compatible with surrounding residential areas<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Protect environmental resources<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Contribute meaningfully to the public realm<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Align with the Town\u2019s long-term vision<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>This proposal does none of those things.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>A Defining Moment<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>This is a pivotal decision. Approving this level of intensity, height, and environmental impact will set a precedent that cannot be reversed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Once built, it is permanent.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Residents must decide whether this proposal reflects the future they want for Fort Myers Beach\u2014or whether it opens the door to overdevelopment that fundamentally changes the island forever.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>==========================================================================================================<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>ABOUT US<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>We formed ProtectFMB to support your rights. &nbsp;Our purpose is to encourage responsible development on our island.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>ProtectFMB is not anti-development.&nbsp; We love this island and want to see her come back better than ever.&nbsp; What we do want though is responsible development that does not violate the Comprehensive Plan.&nbsp; We took action on the Seagate project because it does just that. The Comp Plan allows for developers to ask for more than what they can have by right.&nbsp; There is a trade off for that ask referred to as \u201cPublic Benefit\u201d.&nbsp; &nbsp;The \u201cpublic benefits\u201d offered by Seagate are not add-on items to benefit anyone.&nbsp; With the exception of public access to restrooms, they are things that the developer would have had to do anyway.&nbsp; So, we took action.&nbsp; We would like to explain the action we took.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>We did not \u201cfile a lawsuit\u201d.&nbsp; What we did was hire an attorney to help us find a way to bring the project back to council for reconsideration.&nbsp; We want to see more public input and less towers. What we were counseled to do was file a \u201cWrit of Certiorari\u201d.&nbsp; Certiorari is a court process to seek judicial review of a decision of a lower court or government agency.&nbsp; When the Town Council votes to approve a project, it is a quasi-judicial action.&nbsp; As the town attorney explains before each case, it is neither Legislative nor Administrative, but somewhere in between.&nbsp; Quasi is Latin for \u201cas if\u201d. Quasi-judicial therefore, is \u201cas if a court\u201d.&nbsp; Quasi-judicial decisions&nbsp;involve the application of rules and policies to the facts of a particular development proposal. Essentially, they (Town Council) are a legal body making a decision of law.&nbsp; A Writ of Certiorari asks a higher court to look at the action taken and review it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>We filed the Writ of Certiorari on March 5, 2025.&nbsp; The next steps are a response from The Town of FMB and Judicial review.&nbsp; We will keep you apprised as things progress.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>We are always happy to answer your questions.&nbsp; Do not hesitate to contact any of us with any questions you may have.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Laurie, for ProtectFMB<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>A Copy of the Writ of Certiorari filed with the courts<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div data-wp-interactive=\"core\/file\" class=\"wp-block-file\"><object data-wp-bind--hidden=\"!state.hasPdfPreview\" hidden class=\"wp-block-file__embed\" data=\"https:\/\/protectfmb.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/Petition-for-Writ-of-Certiorari.pdf\" type=\"application\/pdf\" style=\"width:100%;height:600px\" aria-label=\"Embed of Petition for Writ of Certiorari.\"><\/object><a id=\"wp-block-file--media-d2ef53c9-5574-4dd4-b210-f0a43b2c532f\" href=\"https:\/\/protectfmb.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/Petition-for-Writ-of-Certiorari.pdf\">Petition for Writ of Certiorari<\/a><a href=\"https:\/\/protectfmb.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/Petition-for-Writ-of-Certiorari.pdf\" class=\"wp-block-file__button wp-element-button\" download aria-describedby=\"wp-block-file--media-d2ef53c9-5574-4dd4-b210-f0a43b2c532f\">Download<\/a><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Protect  FMB&#8217;s Legal Reply to Seagate&#8217;s Response (09\/10\/2025):<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<div data-wp-interactive=\"core\/file\" class=\"wp-block-file\"><object data-wp-bind--hidden=\"!state.hasPdfPreview\" hidden class=\"wp-block-file__embed\" data=\"https:\/\/protectfmb.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/231199774-Reply.pdf\" type=\"application\/pdf\" style=\"width:100%;height:600px\" aria-label=\"Embed of 231199774 Reply.\"><\/object><a id=\"wp-block-file--media-c1ba7f12-0fa1-43e3-98c4-c0d56c634e61\" href=\"https:\/\/protectfmb.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/231199774-Reply.pdf\">231199774 Reply<\/a><a href=\"https:\/\/protectfmb.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/231199774-Reply.pdf\" class=\"wp-block-file__button wp-element-button\" download aria-describedby=\"wp-block-file--media-c1ba7f12-0fa1-43e3-98c4-c0d56c634e61\">Download<\/a><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div data-wp-interactive=\"core\/file\" class=\"wp-block-file\"><object data-wp-bind--hidden=\"!state.hasPdfPreview\" hidden class=\"wp-block-file__embed\" data=\"https:\/\/protectfmb.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/231199774-Appendix.pdf\" type=\"application\/pdf\" style=\"width:100%;height:600px\" aria-label=\"Embed of 231199774 Appendix.\"><\/object><a id=\"wp-block-file--media-e2a1c0bf-3bd7-4aeb-87d5-c706aedeed8e\" href=\"https:\/\/protectfmb.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/231199774-Appendix.pdf\">231199774 Appendix<\/a><a href=\"https:\/\/protectfmb.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/231199774-Appendix.pdf\" class=\"wp-block-file__button wp-element-button\" download aria-describedby=\"wp-block-file--media-e2a1c0bf-3bd7-4aeb-87d5-c706aedeed8e\">Download<\/a><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>A conversation between Greg and Bill regarding the Seagate project<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-4-3 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<iframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"Greg Scasny Interview\" width=\"500\" height=\"281\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/4laJng7CIng?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>A quick recording of &#8220;bought the sky&#8221;, written by Bill Veach about the effect of the irresponsible development.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-reverbnation-embed wp-block-embed-reverbnation-embed\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<iframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"Bought the sky by Billy Veach\" width=\"500\" height=\"750\" scrolling=\"no\" frameborder=\"no\" src=\"https:\/\/www.reverbnation.com\/widget_code\/html_widget\/artist_6051041?widget_id=55&#038;pwc[song_ids]=34866442\"><\/iframe>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Friends and Neighbors London Bay Development Proposal \u2013 Community Concerns There is no such thing as a \u201cminor\u201d change to the Comprehensive Plan. What London Bay is requesting is a dramatic and unprecedented increase to the allowed Floor Area Ratio (FAR)\u2014from 1.5 to well over 3.0. Even that figure remains unclear, as the proposal does [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":5,"featured_media":0,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-306","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/protectfmb.org\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/pages\/306","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/protectfmb.org\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/protectfmb.org\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/protectfmb.org\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/5"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/protectfmb.org\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=306"}],"version-history":[{"count":16,"href":"https:\/\/protectfmb.org\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/pages\/306\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":502,"href":"https:\/\/protectfmb.org\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/pages\/306\/revisions\/502"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/protectfmb.org\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=306"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}