Fort Myers seeks $250K yearly yacht basin payment as permits delay work

FORT MYERS, Fla. (WINK)—The Fort Myers City Council voted to charge the developer of the Fort Myers Yacht Basin $250,000 for every year the site remains without the necessary permits to rebuild.

The yacht basin has sat in its current state for more than three years. Suntex Marinas, the developer, told the city council they are waiting on the last few federal approvals to dredge and fill the basin.

Fort Myers resident John Cahill rides his bike next to the yacht basin every day.

"It does get to be a little bit of a problem with the fences and everything like that," Cahill said.

He doesn't see any progress at the site. "There's no work going on," Cahill said. "Let's get it going. Something is obviously holding this up."

Suntex Marinas requested more time to secure federal approvals. Eric Metz, vice president of development for Suntex Marinas, addressed the council about the timeline.

"We look at the next few months as being telling how the Army Corps is going to finally issue and vet that permit. But we're nearing the end," Metz said.

The city council voted to grant a one-year extension to the developers to obtain the necessary approvals. Councilmember Fred Burson motioned to have the extension come at a cost.

"My motion will be that you will pay us $250,000 a year until you get your approvals," Burson said. "And if it takes you 20 years to do it, that's on you."

Several city council members noted that the original plan was to rebuild the yacht basin as it was. The plans appear to have expanded, including the addition of more boat slips.

Developers say the process is complex, but the work will create long-term value for the city. 

"We would be building this already today if we had that permit in hand," Metz said.

Cahill wants to see the yacht basin fixed up quickly. Despite the delays, he still finds beauty in the area.

"That's why I like to come here," Cahill said. "That's why I like to ride here, because I live in paradise."

A spokesperson for the city of Fort Myers said the next steps will be determined between the city and the developer. 

WINK News contacted  Suntex's lawyer for comment, but has not received a response.