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Collier approves two versions of same project
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NAPLES — Collier County commissioners usually see more than one version of the same project before any cement gets poured.
But it’s not often that two different versions of a project get approved at the same time and the developer goes on the record to assure county officials that only one of the two presented versions will ultimately be built.
“Very rarely do we have an either or option,” said Community Development & Environmental Services Division director Joe Schmitt, in a recent interview.
That was the case during a recent County Commission meeting when Kite Realty Group 951 and 41 requested a re-zone for the firm’s Tamiami Crossing development.
Along with the re-zone to allow a maximum of 235,000 square feet of commercial use in the Tamiami Crossings CPUD, Kite Realty Group also requested the approval of two different master plans for the 25.45-acre property east of Collier Boulevard just south of U.S. 41.
County staff recommended that commissioners approve the rezone with a few provisions proposed by the Collier County Planning Commission including: not allowing tattoo parlors within the establishments and lowering the project’s actual building heights from 65 feet to 40 feet.
County Commissioners approved the re-zone in a 4 to 1 vote, with Commissioner Fred Coyle dissenting.
The approval came after the board unanimously approved a 0.88-acre land transfer from the Artesia Pointe PUD to the Tamiami Crossings CPUD.
The item was originally not set to be discussed during the meeting, but County Manager Jim Mudd said he wanted to make sure there was no confusion on what the board was voting on.
“So when something gets built we don’t have an outcry and half the board saying ‘That’s not what I voted for,’” said Mudd, during the meeting.
Attorney Richard Yovanovich told commissioners that even though two different building plans were being proposed by his clients as part of the re-zone — one proposal has a big box store going on the property, while the other would not — only one would actually be built.
“It’s either A or B, not both,” said Yovanovich, adding that the planning committee reviewed and approved both plans.
Although the issue was scheduled to go before the BCC in July, the re-zone was continued until KRG ironed out some of the issues raised by the planning commission and residents.
During the meeting, Commissioner Donna Fiala said that at first she was not too happy with KRG’s proposal when she first heard of it.
“To their (KRG’s) credit they took that baby back and redesigned that whole site,” said Fiala. “I was very impressed by that. They were responding to the needs of the community and it sets the standard for building on that corridor.”
However, not all of the project’s neighbors were convinced.
“I have no problem with Plan A or Plan B, the only problem I have is with Plan C,” said Mario Curiale, owner of a neighboring property during public comments. “How are we going to get out of there?”
Curiale had concerns about the project’s lack of a concrete traffic plan and how it would affect local business.
Coyle shared Curiale’s concerns.
“I don’t understand why this project gets this far along with out having these issues resolved,” said Coyle, during the meeting.
Yovanovich said the project is still in its conceptual phase and that like all PUD’s is subject to final permitting from the appropriate agencies.
And in this case, Florida’s Department of Transportation has the final say on a project’s transportation plan.
Coyle said he didn’t really have a problem with the petitioner.
He did however have an issue with the county’s development procedures, which doesn’t require applicants to present a completed project prior to going before the BCC for re-zoning.
“I just don’t like doing business that way,” said Coyle, pointing out that projects could drastically change once the initial re-zone is awarded. “I would prefer these things be done more sequentially.”
The Tamiami Crossings project still has to go through the county’s Site Development Plan process.
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What's the point?
It's doomed to fail without a tatoo parlour!
#1 Posted by Naplestango on September 28, 2008 at 10:04 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Tattoo parlors usually have those later hours of operation, and then there's that nasty buzzing sound, which could disturb other businesses.
Although back tatts can be beautiful depending on where they are located on the back, and of course the details, very HOT.
#2 Posted by beetlejuice on September 29, 2008 at 12:46 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Then there's the lack of driveway easements.
Where's a way out of here?
Over by the tattoo parlor?
Oh yeah, now I see the exit...
WHAT EXIT?
IT's ALL CONCEPTUAL?????
R THEY KIDDING?
Dream driveways will not get permitting approval very easily.
#3 Posted by beetlejuice on September 29, 2008 at 12:48 a.m. (Suggest removal)
This whole thing reeks of palm greasing...2 proposals accepted for a development of over 200,000 square feet of commercial and retail space on just 25.45 acres is impossible without a parking deck.
Anyways, this is another one that will provide plenty of laughs and giggles as time goes on.
#4 Posted by wordofmouth on September 29, 2008 at 10:18 a.m. (Suggest removal)
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