Report recommends against proposed Bonita condos

The request to turn the shut down Blue Marlin Restaurant on Bonita Beach Road into nine condominiums has failed its first evaluation in the process before the Bonita Springs City Council makes its final ruling.

Coastal Engineering Consultants, Inc. is asking to build nine dwelling units on the 0.7-acre property to be called Blue Marlin Cove. The zoning would change from commercial to residential multi-family.

Under that new zoning, the property would usually only be allowed seven units, but Coastal Engineering is asking for an additional two units under the city's bonus density program where the developer pays into the Affordable Housing Trust Fund.

To get the change, the applicant must first be reviewed by the city Department of Community Development and the zoning board. The City Council takes those two recommendations and makes a final ruling.

The community development staff report recommended the request be denied because it is not consistent with the city's plan toward residential uses in Coastal High Hazard areas. The number of units is too intense for the area.

Coastal Engineering's representative, Shaun Mularky, could not be reached late Monday afternoon, when the report was released.

The city zoning board will have a hearing on the application June 30. The council should make its final ruling on July 24.

The bonus density program Coastal Engineering is asking for has been temporarily suspended by the City Council. The cost per extra unit used to be $11,000, but the city staff felt that was too low.

The program was suspended until the city comes up with a different number. The council was debating a $131,000 per unit fee on June 7 but didn't reach a consensus. There will be a public hearing on the matter Wednesday.