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Collier commissioners to vote on proposed pier at Vanderbilt Beach

Should a pier be built at Vanderbilt Beach?

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Collier County commissioners will get the final word on an idea that’s had its share of discussion over the past few months.

Because of neighborhood opposition, a proposed pier at Vanderbilt Beach is likely to be the most contentious issue on the agenda when commissioners meet Tuesday.

The story began June 26, when commissioners approved a feasibility study to investigate building a recreational pier at the North Naples beach.

On Jan. 15, commissioners directed county employees to hold public workshops to determine public sentiment and support — or lack thereof — for the project.

There were few mixed emotions. The community “expressed clear, overwhelming opposition to the concept of a pier and facilities at Vanderbilt Beach Road,” states the report to commissioners. “Also evident was the lack of community support from Collier County residents east of (Collier Boulevard.)”

Pelican Bay and other North Naples residents and business owners expressed extreme concern about traffic congestion, parking, security, quality of life impact and reduced property values.

However, those who participated in county workshops weren’t as opposed to the potential of a pier built at Delnor-Wiggins State Park, or some other less-congested location. That project would also call for public restrooms, and a snack bar.

The alternative project would require several discussions with state and regional officials.

Another county recreational opportunity is also up for discussion Tuesday.

In 1974, county commissioners adopted an ordinance that prohibits mobile home and “portable” sleeping within one mile of the Gulf of Mexico. Since 1974, the county has grown tremendously, but there is no similar ordinance for eastern neighborhoods. The changed ordinance, which was developed with the help of the Collier County Sheriff’s Office, would be modeled after Orlando’s anti-camping ordinance, that was upheld by a U.S. Court of Appeal decision.

Camping in Collier County would be redefined as sleeping or otherwise being in a temporary shelter outdoors; sleeping outdoors; or cooking over an open flame outdoors.

Camping would be prohibited on all public property within unincorporated Collier County.

In Orlando, those who violate the outdoor camping provisions are subject to arrest and, if guilty, imprisonment.

Another change in county law up for debate is an attempt to increase the speed limit from 45 miles per hour to 50 miles per hour on some portions of Immokalee Road.

The increase would apply from Collier Boulevard to half a mile west of Wilson Boulevard on eastbound Immokalee Road, and westbound from Wilson to half a mile east of Collier Boulevard.

In what might develop into a heated debate, commissioners will also be asked to lift the county hiring freeze, in order to hire a land-use attorney to fill the slot left by Jeff Klatzkow, when he was hired as county attorney.

And, finally, commissioners will, again, be asked to shift around money to keep several cash-strapped county departments operating, including more dollars to bail out Emergency Medical Services and facilities maintenance.

Comments

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Build it,and they will come. Pelican Bay,take notice.....we will have what is rightfully ours.

#1 Posted by JunkYardDog on May 12, 2008 at 9:33 p.m. (Suggest removal)

The Pier at Pelican Bay will be a great benefit to the youth of Collier County!
And it will help to atone for the criminal destruction of wetlands that is Pelican Bay.

#2 Posted by greathornedlizard on May 12, 2008 at 10:08 p.m. (Suggest removal)

The commissioners office has been hiring all along. Seems a little hypocritical to even have a hiring freeze in the first place.

#3 Posted by Tookie_Williams on May 12, 2008 at 10:53 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Not-going-to-happen. :-)

#4 Posted by 676 on May 12, 2008 at 11:04 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Will it be long enough, so Mexicans can commute?

#5 Posted by eltuna on May 13, 2008 at 5:28 a.m. (Suggest removal)

only a buffoon of a business owner would say no to a pier, which is virtually certain to increase their business. Build the pier, don't let the idiots stop us from having a landmark attraction.

#6 Posted by neoneapolitan on May 13, 2008 at 7:08 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Yeah why not? It's only $8.6 million so far. After all we're swimming in extra money these days.

#7 Posted by cupcake on May 13, 2008 at 7:43 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Look at the big picture: They have to build the Pier at Pelican Bay because they need the Pier at 12th. Ave. S. to build a upscale Chickee Bar and outdoor restaurants for the Sushi knackers down at Third St. S. to show off their fancy duds and boob jobs!

#8 Posted by greathornedlizard on May 13, 2008 at 7:55 a.m. (Suggest removal)

What are the priorities of this State? As I am reading the NDN online, I see this article about building a new pier and two articles later, I read that food stamp applications are up in Collier and Lee as the economy sputters?? I think that our Government needs to open their eyes!

#9 Posted by theoryofdisaster on May 13, 2008 at 8:09 a.m. (Suggest removal)

theoryofdisaster
It all makes perfect sense, they build a pier to supply fresh high quality protein for the food stamp applicants to supplement with!
I know, I know, we have a pier, but they have "renourished" that beach so many times that they have created a virtual dead zone along the shore and the fishing is not so hot there anymore.

#10 Posted by greathornedlizard on May 13, 2008 at 8:20 a.m. (Suggest removal)

I say, BUILD the pier, and turn Pelican Bay in a huge gated community where the residents CAN'T GET OUT.

#11 Posted by RockfordGrad on May 13, 2008 at 10:44 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Can some of these politicians then take a LONG walk off of a SHORT pier?

#12 Posted by theoryofdisaster on May 13, 2008 at 11:22 a.m. (Suggest removal)



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