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Bonita tweaks ideas to pump up economy on Old 41 Road
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BONITA SPRINGS — Bonita Springs Mayor Ben Nelson’s stimulus plan for the Old 41 Road corridor took a small step forward Wednesday.
So, too, did a half-dozen ideas for modifying or improving it.
During its Wednesday meeting, City Council discussed Nelson’s proposal, which, if approved, would eliminate road impact fees associated with retail shops and restaurants opening in the corridor for two years, if approved.
“If you really want small businesses to take off, if you really want to see small businesses, there’s no better way,” Nelson said of the proposal before the discussion began.
Councilwoman Martha Simons had the first improvement idea.
“I think it’s a great idea,” Simons said before raising concerns over whether the proposal would encourage the demolition of some of the area’s historic structures, like the old Dixie Moon Cafe.
John Spear also supported the proposal, but, again, under certain circumstances. He felt the proposal would not necessarily move developers to the area, but might encourage business owners to change the zoning of a certain piece of vacant property in the area, which might also lead to impact fee charges.
“I don’t believe that very often people make development decisions based on whether or not impact fees are in existence,” Spear said, adding that the proposal must be carefully limited in time and scope.
“It’s got to be rather thoughtfully crafted and also something rather automatic ... I don’t think impact fees have ever been waived and it might be a slippery slope. We’ve got a huge, huge road building deficit in this city and this county.”
City Attorney Audrey Vance seconded Spear’s thoughts. The definition of a restaurant or retail shop needs to be specific, she said, because the businesses receiving the exemption will need to be clearly outlined in any new policy to avoid double standards.
“I think you need to be careful so that it’s not arbitrary,” Vance said. “Restaurants and cafes, but not fast-food restaurants.”
Councilman Pat McCourt said he would avoid debating the pluses and minuses of the proposal and focus on improving it. He offered a way in which the city could still collect impact fees, which was based on the idea that development in the area would increase property values.
If the values will go up, he said, perhaps the owners of those properties should foot the bill for future road development costs associated with the impact of the new businesses arriving on the corridor.
“I would propose that we look at a public-private partnership with all the property owners in the designated areas .. create a pool of money, which we then could use to pay impact fees,” McCourt said. “The biggest landholder down there is the city. We’re putting up cash, the stakeholders are putting up cash.”
Simons said she agreed with McCourt on the idea of getting property owners involved, but noted the city has already spent a significant amount of money in the area. The city owns the 5.3 acres straddling the Imperial River, once intended to be the Imperial Landing development, in the heart of the downtown area. It was supposed to be the original economic stimulus.
“I think the city’s put millions of dollars in there. Parks, lamps, trees, and the road and all that kind of stuff,” Simons said.
Councilman Richard Ferreira had yet another modification to the proposal before discussion ended, and council delegated the responsibility of looking into the idea to city staff. He’d like to see the exemption last for a longer period of time.
“I don’t think two years is long enough. You’re looking at a good 18 months. I’d like to see a time-line of at least four years on this initiative,” Ferreira noted, adding that he would like the city to look at establishing a special taxing district in the area to generate revenue for improvements.
Nelson added to his proposal as well.
“Once we get this set up ... we’re going to work out a really nice glossy brochure that says, ‘welcome to old Bonita,”’ Nelson said. “An at-a-glance kind of thing.”
Comments
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When Jamaica had problems getting tourists to return.
They used this one on a nice glossy brochure.
" Come back to Jamaica, we will not kill you on the beaches any more"
#1 Posted by Biff on October 15, 2008 at 7:43 p.m. (Suggest removal)
If the prostitutes were younger and spoke English it would also be a tremendous step in the revitalization project.
#2 Posted by micirisi on October 15, 2008 at 7:53 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Get rid of the illegals and the trailer parks in that area and I'll consider driving through there without a gun and actually stop at some of the shops.
#3 Posted by personalj on October 15, 2008 at 8:16 p.m. (Suggest removal)
What are all the 17 year olds posting tonight?
Get real.
#4 Posted by LieStopper on October 15, 2008 at 8:35 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Sorry Martha, you supported involuntary historic designations. Historic districts do nothing but take property rights from the land owners.
#5 Posted by swampbuggy on October 15, 2008 at 10:17 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Welcome to old Bonita? What are they talking about. No one liked old Bonita, no one likes present Bonita. How long are they going to keep trying to resurrect something that no one liked in the first place. Why don't they build a NEW Bonita. One that we can all be proud of.
#6 Posted by docwatson on October 16, 2008 at 12:05 a.m. (Suggest removal)
In this economy, nothing good is going to happen on this road. There is too much unleased commercial space around.
Dixie Moon Cafe, correct me if I am wrong, was a breakfast and lunch place.
No one wants to be on that road after 8 pm.
#7 Posted by volochine on October 16, 2008 at 1:29 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Sorry Volo, but there really is not as much available space on Old 41 as you think.
Another correction. You can get dinner at Dixie. It has alsways been that way. Or Marias and Buffalo Chips.
Maybe those who comment on Bonita should live in Bonita.
#8 Posted by LieStopper on October 16, 2008 at 6:52 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Yeah...I agree with lie stopper. Council is doing good work here and you guys should lead, follow...or just shut it. But it's much more fun for you to be negative and crack jokes and tell lies about our home. It's a shame that people that are trying to better a community have to put up with these "cracks". I guess we should consider the source. (whaterever it is) Golden Gate, Lehigh, the Cape, Ft Myers, etc....all have problems and crime. Why don't you spread your joy and trash them for a while...or is that where you live?
#9 Posted by someguy on October 16, 2008 at 7:37 a.m. (Suggest removal)
I live in Bonita and love it! I moved to Bonita from Naples. As I come up old 41 and cross Bonita Beach road I feel I am entering the "real world". The world where the average person is working and taking care of their family. I have never been afraid anywhere in Bonita. For those of you who have a problem with Bonita I would suggest you move to Naples. Yes it is beautiful, full of very rich people who will not give you the time of day, full of "want a bes", full of people who spend more money on trying to make themselves look younger than the average person makes in a year! I love Bonita and am very proud of it! As far as the type of people that live there it has been my personal experience they are caring and considerate no matter where they are from or what language they speak. Isn't that what really matters?
#10 Posted by Dusty on October 16, 2008 at 9 a.m. (Suggest removal)
I agree with Dusty.
I also moved to Bonita from Naples and have no regrets. I also live downtown and have walked from my place to events at Riverside Park without a problem.
Those who speak ill of Bonita speak ill of themselves.
#11 Posted by okadam on October 16, 2008 at 9:22 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Someguy,
Does that mean you support a tax district be organized in the corridor of the city you love?
Put up or you know what.
#12 Posted by BonitaSprings1 on October 16, 2008 at 9:29 a.m. (Suggest removal)
My my. How the conversation turns positive when the comments are from people who ACTUALLY LIVE IN BONITA!
Thanks Dusty, someguy, and okadam.
See ya at Chips! Or elsewhere...
#13 Posted by LieStopper on October 16, 2008 at 9:30 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Do not listen to Bonita1.
He is TAGs Ron Pure.
Hell bent on ruining Bonita. Get back behind the gate to your community, Ron.
#14 Posted by LieStopper on October 16, 2008 at 9:37 a.m. (Suggest removal)
We who live in Bonita know how lucky we are. We have a great little city with a very civic minded and engaged community.
Swamp buggy, you are misinformed. We never changed the ordinance making historic designation involuntary.
#15 Posted by MarthaSimons on October 16, 2008 at 9:39 a.m. (Suggest removal)
im always amazed that theres someone ,that likes to pretend to speak for me,,and "everyone",,doc #6,if thats how You feel about Old Bonita ,or even Bonita in general, my suggestion is that If you are a resident here, then you Probably would be happier in Naples,they always complain there and more than just One is always speaking for "everyone",lol,,i live in Bonita ,and happen to like it here,,i admit that i have a problem with uncontrolled development,and a council that does what it wants with or with out the publics wishes,but all in all Bonita is,has and will always be just fine the way she is, at whatever stage of growth she happens to be in,, love her or leave her bubba,,,,,,,
#16 Posted by Bullbat on October 16, 2008 at 9:41 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Bull,I speak for the people that want to change Bonita for the better. I speak for the people that want to be able to walk down any street, at any time, and feel safe. Your answer is, that if you don't like it here, you should move to Naples. Well, I don't like Naples, but that's not to say I have to pic one or the other. That answer just shows a lack of imagination.
#17 Posted by docwatson on October 16, 2008 at 10:30 a.m. (Suggest removal)
It seems that everyone agrees that the old Bamboo Village was to be and still will be the economic spark for that area. It will however be an anchor dragging until something something happens there.
A solution that has been succesful in other areas is for the City to carve up the property into urban-sized lots and LEASE them to individuals for the amount that the yearly property taxes would be on the condition that the ORIGINAL leaseholder begin construction within 6 months. The original leasholder could transfer the building and lease to ONE buyer. The assessed value of the land would have to be paid to the City upon any subsequent transfer for clear title.
The original lease could be called after 10 years.
If it were advertised as an arts village of two story buildings with stores and studios below and housing above; I bet the Bonita Springs Art League could find buyers for the 18 buildings among its members and the subscribers to its newsletter.
#18 Posted by alancodi on October 16, 2008 at 11:05 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Let me guess. All declared blogging lovers of Bonita are ready and willing pioneers in favor of establishing a special Old 41 corridor tax district.
ie YOU put YOUR money where YOUR mouths are. Right?
#19 Posted by BonitaSprings1 on October 16, 2008 at 12:41 p.m. (Suggest removal)
I live in Bonita Springs and I recall the real estate salesman tell me about the great plans for the downtown area. That was over 5 years ago. Last time I checked, not much has happened insofar as decent restaurants and shops are concerned. Owners of some buildings need pressure to refurbish their dilapidated storefronts. In the meantime, the 'quaintness' of "Old Bonita" looks like the facade of a movie lot and no 'slick' or 'glossy' brochure can change that. A total renewal plan for the entire downtown area is needed otherwise all these 'quick fix' schemes will get us will be more haphazard businesses here and there. By the way, all the cheering that went on about the Shangri La Resort is another example of all talk and no action. How about that 'new' grocery store under construction at the corner of Rosemary and Old 41? How many more years before that construction eyesore is finished? Does anyone from City Hall pay attenton? I want Bonita Springs to spruce up and be an attraction but frankly, all I have heard for the last 5 years are promises and empty ones at that.
#20 Posted by beneyw on October 16, 2008 at 3:26 p.m. (Suggest removal)
BS1, Whatever is best for Bonita. Sure, I'll help pay.
Your hatchet wielding style of budget control ain't always the best way Ron....
#21 Posted by LieStopper on October 16, 2008 at 4:05 p.m. (Suggest removal)
For starters, gather your crowd LieStop. Schlepp on over to city hall and tell Price, Nelson etc you and yours are ready to pay annual assessment (in addtional to regular property taxes). Money will be used to improves common areas of declared blight zone. Become a bonifide stakeholder, like all the folks in private communities.
#22 Posted by BonitaSprings1 on October 16, 2008 at 4:38 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Ron.
You are ranting. And you are not sounding too sharp.
Take your hate for Bonita and leave.
I mean seriously sir, why have you stayed?
You do seem to be against everything here.
#23 Posted by LieStopper on October 16, 2008 at 4:55 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Get some good looking hookers. The last batch had bad complections a snaggled teeth.
#24 Posted by Garfield on October 16, 2008 at 6:07 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Ya know Garfield, why not stay away from Bonita from now on.
We don't have hookers if your type doesn't support them.
And you ain't been around, I guess.
#25 Posted by LieStopper on October 16, 2008 at 6:48 p.m. (Suggest removal)
If you really want to know why Ben Nelson is pushing the slumville fix up this is why.
http://www.leepa.org/Scripts/Property...
Is this not a conflict of interest. To vote for something just so you can increase your own property values.
#26 Posted by Hindsight on October 16, 2008 at 8:55 p.m. (Suggest removal)
North of Rosemary on Old 41 looks pretty good.
South to Bonita Beach needs some sort of stimulus for the good of the community. There is a lot of possibility, but it needs some TLC. The band shell and park is under utilized.
#27 Posted by workattack on October 16, 2008 at 8:58 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Hindsight #26,,,,,,, ive known Ben for the most of 40+ years,and hes about the most honest person i know, i might fire a few missles at him now and then,But its Not personal,,, if he owned land in East Bonita,as far as you can go, he would Still try his best to revitilize Old 41,simply because its Needed,,,now, if we could put in several towers along Old 41, and man them with .50 cal.machine guns, That would clean and Keep clean all the "nasty" that L&P or even sitting and drinking and or using drugs,,,,, back in the day, trust me, we Never allowed this invasion to happen,,,,,,,,
#28 Posted by Bullbat on October 18, 2008 at 7:34 p.m. (Suggest removal)
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