Planning Board - June 3, 2026

Planning Board · 2026-06-03 · agenda

[1750 Ortiz Ave.; case RZ26-0042] The Planning Board is considering a request to rezone 19.79 +/- acres at 1750 Ortiz Ave. from Planned Unit Development (PUD) (expired) to Light Industrial (IL). The property was previously approved for the Suncoast Commerce Park PUD in 2006, which allowed for up to 280,000 square feet of industrial flex uses, management offices, and restaurant space. However, construction did not commence by the required date of October 16, 2013, and was not completed by October 16, 2018, rendering the PUD null and void. The current owner, Eastgroup Properties L P, represented by RVI Planning, seeks to revert the property to its underlying Light Industrial zoning. The rezoning is considered consistent with the City's Comprehensive Plan for industrial development, promoting job opportunities and tax base expansion. The property is located at the northwest corner of Ortiz Avenue and Laredo Avenue, approximately 1.3 miles from I-75 and has frontage on Ortiz Avenue, an arterial roadway. Utilities including potable water and sanitary sewer are available or will be built by the applicant. No public comment is detailed in this portion of the document. [1750 Ortiz Avenue; case F2510.15] Rezoning of approximately 19.79 acres from Commercial Intensive (CI) to Light Industrial (IL) for industrial uses totaling 272,060 square feet. The project is located at 1750 Ortiz Avenue. The rezoning is considered a downzoning. Traffic analysis indicates Ortiz Avenue is projected to operate at a poor Level of Service in 2030, with or without the project. Lee County has identified funding for widening Ortiz Avenue. Required transportation improvements include construction of a southbound right-turn lane on Ortiz Avenue, a westbound right-turn lane on Laredo Avenue, and potential modification to accommodate realignment of the Ortiz Avenue/Laredo Avenue intersection. The applicant will enter into a development agreement to pay a proportionate share towards the signalization of the Ortiz Avenue/Laredo Avenue intersection. Water and sewer lines are adjacent, but developer-funded system enhancements like line extensions may be required. The project is anticipated to have an industrial flow demand of approximately 29,685 gallons per day. [3250 - 3460 Old Metro Parkway; case PUD26-0045] Amendment to the Garden Street Iron and Metal Planned Unit Development (PUD) to include a Self-Service Auto Parts Yard north of Southern Garden Street. This involves modifying the Schedule of Uses, eliminating building perimeter plantings for four accessory structures, and updating the Master Concept Plan. The total project size is approximately 45.22 acres. The property is located at 3250 - 3460 Old Metro Parkway. The applicant is Trademark Metals Recycling LLC, with Tim Keene of Keene Development LLC as the agent. The existing PUD was approved in 2007 and amended in 2015. The amendment aims to improve traffic flow, internal operations, safety, and operational efficiency. Public comment is not stated. [3254-3350 Old Metro Parkway, 2920 Walpear Street, and 2804 Hanson Street; case Ordinance No. 3739 (related to PUD framework)] This document details a Planned Unit Development (PUD) Amendment for Garden Street Iron & Metal, Inc. The project expands the existing junkyard and recycling center by adding 17.7 acres, bringing the total to 36.86 acres. The amendment allows for initial vehicle processing facilities on the north side of Southern Garden Street to improve internal traffic circulation and eliminate approximately 80-90 daily forklift trips across the street. The final shredding will continue on the south side. The project involves numerous deviations from standard Land Development Code regulations, including setbacks, buffer yard requirements, landscaping, and signage. Public comment is not explicitly detailed, but the document focuses on the applicant's narrative and legal analysis supporting the amendment. The decision was to approve the PUD Amendment. This document outlines proposed amendments to the City of Fort Myers Comprehensive Plan, specifically Element 8 (Community Appearance) and Element 12 (Concurrency Management System). The changes aim to clarify policies regarding streetscaping, advisory board roles, and the coordination of development with public facilities. Element 8 will clarify the City's role in maintaining Royal Palms along specific boulevards and streets, and allow flexibility in appointing boards for community appearance oversight. Element 12 will remove duplicative language regarding public services and facilities, referencing other elements for these details. The document also details waiver requests for a Traffic Impact Statement, landscaping, and building elevations, citing that proposed changes will not increase traffic, will enclose operations to reduce visual impact, and will not involve new habitable structures. The document is a public hearing agenda item for June 3, 2026, with staff recommending approval of the proposed amendments.