I just read an article which says that one of the city’s policy recommendations contained in a draft plan include: Encouraging the use of density transfer credits to create residences, hotel space and mixed-use development.
Who, besides the Planning Board and City Council has showed the slightest interest in any of these three items? For years the MICA Wave surveys have showed that residents are overwhelmingly opposed to density transfers. The most recent MICA Wave survey showed that 88 percent of those voting opposed the transfer of density credits especially in the already congested midtown area and 89 percent opposed any new hotels being built.
Now you are not only allowing this, you are “encouraging” it. Do any of you even listen to or care what the residents want their island to be?
The following hotels exist on the island currently: Marriott Resort, Hilton Resort, Ocean Beach Resort, Marco Island Lakeside Inn, Boathouse Motel, Olde Marco Inn and Suites, Marriott Crystal Shores, and the Marco Bay Resort. We are in no way lacking for hotels.
At the initial planning board meetings some years ago, the first four of these hotels were all represented and confirmed that they had plenty of vacancies even during peak season and a dearth of them in the off-season. These hotels suggested that this last parcel of buildable land should be used to provide most entertainment options for both residents and tourists as there is not a lot to do on Marco when it is rainy season or in the evenings. With my comments, I was accused of being against capitalism. The need that the Planning Board referred to was simply not there and still is not there.
The island offers a variety of both large resorts, smaller hotels and inns, condo-hotels, timeshares operating as hotels. Whatever motive could the planning board and city council now have for going so far as to “encourage” building another hotel despite the residents’ opposition and the lack of need?
Lastly, how many more times do the residents need to voice their opposition to mixed-use development?
Respectfully ...
Marcia Mandel
Lakeside Inn, Marco Island
Hilton earns Diamond Award, 2013
Scripps Interactive Newspapers Group
Comments » 5
mrz333 writes:
I am curious why the city continues to ignore Florida Statute 509. By definition homes being offered for occupancy as Transient or Non-Transient Public lodging establishments are required by this law to be licensed commercial businesses subject to all rules, regulations and taxes. In their operation they further violate the residential zoning regulations here on Marco. So the City again bows to money interests, fails to uphold state law and fails to maintain the residential character of our neighborhoods.
Legitimate, tax paying businesses, who conform in every respect to local ordinances, lose income on a daily basis as our city loses tax revenues.
Law abiding residents lose the character and value of ownership as a constant stream of daily and weekly rentals flow in and out, unregulated, bringing with them whatever they wish.
KlausStoertebeker writes:
"We are in no way lacking for hotels."
How do you know? Maybe you are right, maybe you are wrong. But it is not your business. It is not your investment. Marco Island needs activities fill the total year with needs and demand. Just 3 month season is not enough. By the resort destination character of Marco Island, created from the people for the people their is never enough hotel capacity. Consider all the restaurants and small businesses can not survive IF Marco Island has not enough guest frequency over the entire year. Consider the tax income for Marco Island, IF their is no guest frequency. And consider in what kind of society you live.
Business governed by the laws of supply and demand, not restrained by government interference, regulation or subsidy. Also called free market.
Marco Islands fortune is ingrained in this kind of economical orientated society. The American way of life. Any investment is welcome. No room for complains like:
"So the City again bows to money interests, fails to uphold state law and fails to maintain the residential character of our neighborhoods."
WhiskeyTangoFoxtrot writes:
Marcia,
I'm sorry. The majority of Americans oppose Obamacare. The majority of Americans opposed spending $800 Billion to bail out the banks. The list goes on. When will you and the rest of Americans learn that a majority opinion no longer matters. This is just another instance on a smaller scale of government telling people what is good for them and their community. Now, sit down, shut up, and enjoy the ride!......Towards the edge of the cliff!
P.S. It will help if you watch dancing with the stars, cnn, american idol, fox news, jersey shore, etc, etc. It will make the ride much more comfortable. The cliff ahead won't matter so much when you don't need to think about it. Just keep trying to guess what snooky will due next week!
naples_rocket writes:
majority option still matters during the election
sailingby writes:
MICA does not represent a majority of the Island.
Share your thoughts
Comments are the sole responsibility of the person posting them. You agree not to post comments that are off topic, defamatory, obscene, abusive, threatening or an invasion of privacy. Violators may be banned. Click here for our full user agreement.