From: Robin Singer To: Erica Martin Subject: FW: FW: Redevelopment of Naples Beach Club Property Date: Monday, February 11, 2019 3:09:57 PM From: Stephanie Sassi <[email protected]> Sent: Monday, February 11, 2019 1:07 PM To: Chae duPont <[email protected]>; Dyke, Thompson <[email protected]>; Feight, David <[email protected]>; John Cross <[email protected]>; Mitchell Norgart <[email protected]>; Selfon, Bruce <[email protected]>; Taylor-Lockhart, Amy <[email protected]>; Thomas Koenig <[email protected]>; Thomas McCann <[email protected]> Cc: Robin Singer <[email protected]>; Roger Reinke <[email protected]>; Charles Chapman <[email protected]> Subject: FW: Redevelopment of Naples Beach Club Property FYI – Please see email below re: Beach Club. Kind Regards, Stephanie Sassi Executive Assistant – Mayor & City Council City of Naples 735 8 th Street South Naples, FL 34102 Ph: 239-213-1000 Email: [email protected]Honorable Mayor Bill Barnett Honorable Members of the Naples City Council February 10, 2019 Please ensure through proper protocol that his letter is provided to the Napes Planning Advisory Board as I am not aware of any general e-mail address for the P.A.B. The Watkins family has been respected and loved from the time of Naples infancy. It is indeed a tribute that three generations have consistently focused on planning,
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From: Robin SingerTo: Erica MartinSubject: FW: FW: Redevelopment of Naples Beach Club PropertyDate: Monday, February 11, 2019 3:09:57 PM
From: Stephanie Sassi <[email protected]> Sent: Monday, February 11, 2019 1:07 PMTo: Chae duPont <[email protected]>; Dyke, Thompson <[email protected]>;Feight, David <[email protected]>; John Cross <[email protected]>; Mitchell Norgart<[email protected]>; Selfon, Bruce <[email protected]>; Taylor-Lockhart, Amy<[email protected]>; Thomas Koenig <[email protected]>; Thomas McCann<[email protected]>Cc: Robin Singer <[email protected]>; Roger Reinke <[email protected]>; CharlesChapman <[email protected]>Subject: FW: Redevelopment of Naples Beach Club Property FYI – Please see email below re: Beach Club. Kind Regards, Stephanie SassiExecutive Assistant – Mayor & City CouncilCity of Naples735 8th Street SouthNaples, FL 34102Ph: 239-213-1000Email: [email protected] Honorable Mayor Bill BarnettHonorable Members of the Naples City Council February 10, 2019 Please ensure through proper protocol that his letter is provided to the Napes Planning AdvisoryBoard as I am not aware of any general e-mail address for the P.A.B.
The Watkins family has been respected and loved fromthe time of Naples infancy. It is indeed a tribute that threegenerations have consistently focused on planning,
protecting and preserving Naples future. Their significant contributions of land to assist in theformation of Cambier Park and the Naples CommunityHospital are particularly significant as they were done ata critical time in Naples evolution. The generations of the family are just as wellremembered for their efforts in promoting a sense ofcommunity. They participated in and were supporters ofevery manner of community services as the town grew.Whether it was Mary Watkins playing the organ at herchurch, or Mike Watkins hosting prom celebrations orfund raisers at the hotel, or Ellin Goetz serving onnumerous charitable boards dedicated to preserving theenvironment, or Henry Watkins helping many charities instaging events such as the one to preserve the historicSmallwood Store landmark on Chokoloskee Island orHenry’s wife, Bern, educating local children to respectthe dignity of being a lady or a gentleman, the Watkinsfamily have been selflessly dedicated to others and havebeen trusted and loved for generations. You might ask why I am writing about this backgroundrelative to the redevelopment of the Naples Beach Clubproperty. The simple answer is that, if I am sure about anything inlife, it is that the Watkins family would not enter into anyagreement that they felt was not, at this time, in the bestinterest of the City of Naples and all who live here. They
have lived by this creed since 1946. I first met the Watkins family in 1953 as a young boywhen my grandfather lived on lower Gordon Drive andthe families shared times together. You could always trust the handshake of Mike andHenry’s grandfather. You can trust today the word ofMike and Henry Watkins and their mother, Mary. These are honest, caring people, but they are also verysmart people. A team of true professionals representsthem to ensure, among other matters, that any proposedsale requires a plan by the buyer which will preserve theWatkin's inviolate criteria for what is best for Naples. Theplan before you reflects their past dedication topreserving and enhancing the most significant greenspace in the City of Naples. I live very close to where the new vision will rise from theground. I am, God willing, excited to see the projectreach its exciting conclusion. Most respectfully submitted Thomas L. Campbell187 First Avenue SouthNaples, Florida
From: Don RIXTo: Erica MartinSubject: Naples Beach Club- Proposed DevelopmentDate: Thursday, February 7, 2019 3:53:28 PM
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2-07-19
To: Erica Martin- Naples City Planning Department
From: D. Rix- Owner – Surfside Club of Naples Unit #111
Re: Proposed development of the Naples Beach Club Property
Hello,
I am writing to you today to express my concerns with the proposed development of theNaples Beach Club Property by the Athens Group. Although we are in the initial phase ofplanning, it is clear that the developer wishes to exceed current building codes in relation toheight and width of buildings in an effort to maximize occupancy and profits .If approved; thiswill have a direct impact on the character and charm of the area by increasing density beyondany reasonable level.
As stated in the City of Naples Code of Ordinance 16-81- Division 3. Variances, “Suchvariance will not be contrary to the public interest”. Understanding that variances do occur fora variety of reasons, increasing occupancy, density and profits for the developer are notrational reasons to approve the variances suggested.
Residents, Condominiums Associations and Neighborhood Associations are united in ourefforts to have a voice in this large scale project of unprecedented proportion and ourcoalitions are strong. We are the citizens, constituents and taxpayers who will endure years ofdisruption from demolition and construction such as increased traffic, noise and pollution. Weare also left to endure the after effects of over development for years to come.
I respectfully ask that the City of Naples to restrict this project to current City Code Ordinanceand reduce the scope and size of this project to maintain the residential character and charm ofthe area.
February 10, 2019 Dear Naples Planning Advisory Board Members, We attended the information meeting by the Athens Group at the Naples Beach Hotel last week and were impressed with the redesign of this valuable property in Naples. The Watkins family has done an excellent job over the last 70 years maintaining and growing this hotel complex in a tasteful and thoughtful manner. Now they are doing the same with selecting the correct group to continue their legacy. Given the age of the properties, it makes sense that whoever buys this very expensive property will rebuild the aging hotel as well as add additional highly desired residences. Yes, there will be more traffic with additional residences, but the high rises along Gulf Shore Boulevard North visible from our back yard are rarely occupied more than 50% during the height of season. Further development along the perimeter of the golf course might give more space between the condominiums on the golf course feeling less crowded. Concern for the “tunnel-like” effect from the new buildings was expressed. Having lived in Park Shore and Moorings the past 15 years with high rises close by, we understand that concern but don’t agree it to be valid. We walk every day on Gulf Shore Boulevard North and never feel we’re in a tunnel. In no way can you compare this parcel of land to Miami. Pedestrian traffic crossing Gulf Shore Boulevard does need to be addressed as traffic stops quite often with the current 3 crosswalks. That said, driving down Gulf Shore Boulevard is still a far better option to driving Hwy 41. In the 15 years we’ve lived here, we have never gone to HBs for the Sunday night entertainment and have only attended a function in one of the ballrooms a few times. Our expectation is any developer would want these amenities for corporate and social events. Thank you for allowing residents in the area to provide feedback. We think the future development is necessary and will be an asset to the neighboring buildings and community. Janet & Gary Ellis 202 Bahia Point, Naples
From: DavidTo: Robin Singer; Erica MartinSubject: Fwd: REDEVELOPMENT OF THE NAPLES BEACH HOTEL..Date: Monday, February 11, 2019 9:14:23 AM
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Begin forwarded message:
From: RICHARD JENSEN <[email protected]>Date: February 11, 2019 at 8:38:59 AM ESTTo: [email protected]: REDEVELOPMENT OF THE NAPLES BEACH HOTEL..
TO THE PLANNING ADVISORY BOARD/NAPLES CITYCOUNCIL:
I HAVE OWNED AND BEEN A RESIDENT IN OLDE NAPLES(4TH AVE/2ND ST. SOUTH) FOR 18 YEARS. HAVINGATTENDED THE ATHENS GROUP PRESENTATION LASTWEDNESDAY I AM PLEASED TO BE A SUPPORTER OF THEPLANNED REDEVELOPMENT OF THE NBH.
I CLEARLY RECOGNIZE THAT THERE ARE MANY OF USWHO WOULD BE HAPPY TO CLOSE THE GATE AND RETAINTHE NAPLES WE KNEW DECADES AGO WHEN VISITINGAND LONG BEFORE BUYING PROPERTY HERE.
HOWEVER, I RECOGNIZE HOW UNREALISTIC THAT IS ANDTHAT WE MUST RECOGNIZE THAT NAPLES HAS AND WILLBE UNDERGOING A CONSTANT EVOLUTION ASCONDITIONS DEMAND.
THIS PLANNED REDEVELOPMENT, GIVEN THE HISTORY OFTHE WATKINS FAMILY TO THE WELL BEING OF NAPLESAND THE APPARENT QUALITY OF OTHER DEVELOPMENTSBY THE ATHENS GROUP, SEEMS TO ME TO BE ANEXCELLENT FIT AS OUR COMMUNITY MOVES FORWARDIN THE 21ST CENTURY.
THE CONCERN THAT IS BEING SHOWN FOR THECOMMUNITY ASPECTS OF NBH , I HAVE BEEN INATTENDANCE AT THE MN BREAKFAST PRESENTATIONSFOR DECADES - PLAYED ON THE GOLF COURSE - USEDTHE TENNIS COURTS - ENJOYED THE BEACH/BAR ASWELL AS HAVING EATEN MANY MEALS THERE , ISUNUSUAL IN ITS SCOPE AND COMMITMENT. THE FACTTHIS USAGE BY THE PUBLIC HAS BEEN ADDRESSED ANDWILL CONTINUE IS A WONDERFUL GIFT.
THE RETENTION OF THE OPEN SPACE CURRENTLYOCCUPIED BY THE GOLF COURSE IN PERPETUITY FOR MYCURRENT ENJOYMENT , MY CHILDREN AND MYGRANDCHILDREN CAN ONLY BE DESCRIBED ASFANTASTIC. WHAT A GIFT TO THE FUTURE OF NAPLES.
IF WE ARE TO MOVE FORWARD IN MEETING THE NEEDSOF NAPLES AS WE GROW AND EVOLVE , AND I BELIEVETHAT DECISION TO DO SAID HAS BEEN MADE , THEN IFEEL THIS IS AS FINE A STEP FORWARD AS WE COULDREALISTICALLY EXPECT.
SINCERELY, RICHARD W. JENSEN 430 2ND STREET SOUTH NAPLES , FL 34102
Sent from my iPad
From: DavidTo: Robin Singer; Erica MartinSubject: Fwd: Naples Beach ClubDate: Sunday, February 10, 2019 3:52:46 PM
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David I have been kept abreast of the Athens Group plans for the new Naples Beach Hotel,and I have a few concerns since I am a condominium owner at the Surfside Club rightnext door to the hotel. I am all for new development, because that is the spirit ofAmerica. My first concern is the height of the new buildings. The current codes for buildingheights should not be changed. They were passed for a reason and developers knowwhat the rules are and should work within those rules. My back door faces the NaplesBeach Club and I am not totally sure how a tall building my impact my view. When Ibought in this area, it did not have many tall buildings, which is appealing, and I believeit should be kept that way. My second concern is noise. Here at the Surfside Club, we have moratorium onremodeling during the peak season (December through April). Will we be botheredwith construction noise and if so, for how long? My third concern would be the golf course property. The course itself is of beauty andany altering of it would destroy this beauty. I am referring to any further constructionin that area. Of these three, changing of building codes is my biggest concern. Thanks.
Victor W. & Mary Kay Matteucci1065 Gulfshore Blvd. N. #211Naples, FL 34104440-725-8340
From: DavidTo: Robin Singer; Erica MartinSubject: Fwd: Athens Group rezoning petitionDate: Sunday, February 10, 2019 6:43:15 PM
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From: Robert McGregor <[email protected]>Date: February 10, 2019 at 6:26:02 PM ESTTo: David Feight <[email protected]>Subject: Athens Group rezoning petition
Chairman Feight,
We have been owners at the Surfside Club of Naples since 1979. Wehave seen the community grow in a consistently planned manner andbecome more enhanced every year. Naples has an image of a specialplace with a small town feel which needs to be preserved. At one time, wehad rigidly enforced zoning regulations to protect us from becoming justanother Florida resort community. Unfortunately, the Athens Group doesnot want to adhere to current zoning and building codes.
We are extremely concerned about the excessive requests for zoning andbuilding code waivers from the Athens Group. Please don’t be tempted togrant these excessive waivers! If you do, we will have oversized buildingson the beach, enormous density of people crammed into too small of aspace, horrendous traffic on Gulf Shore Blvd N and a compromised beach.
We would not be opposed to the Athens Groups’ development of theBeach Club if they would adhere to current zoning and buildingcodes.
Thank you for giving our concerns your attention. Regards,
Bob and Linda McGregor1065 Gulf Shore Blvd N.The Surfside Club, Unit #414Naples FL Cell: 641-751-6844
From: David FeightTo: Robin Singer; Erica MartinCc: David FeightSubject: Fwd: Naples Beach and Golf ClubDate: Sunday, February 10, 2019 2:41:30 PM
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To whom it may Concern,My Mother and Father’s first visits to Naples began in the early 1970’s staying atthe Naples Beach and Golf Hotel, then purchasing a condo in the Moorings in1976.Their story is often repeated by many of our close friends and neighbors.The charm of the hotel, it’s courteous and friendly staff greatly influenced theirdecisions to purchase in Naples.In 1977 while in the Air-force I first visited Naples on a Saturday and Sunday wewent to the Naples Beach Club for brunch and were very impressed, returning tothat brunch every visit over the years.Our entire family loved the hotel!From December of 2010 through May 2011 I stayed in the hotel many timeswhile searching for a home as my parents did many years before. In June 2011 Ipurchased a condominium in the Moorings and joined the Naples Beach and GolfClub at that time. We are very happy that the Golf course and tennis with remainintact.My wife and I believe that the Hotel and the Golf course are truly the heart ofNaples as are the Watkin’s family that created it. The Watkin’s family is highlyregarded by both the Naples community and their long term staff. The Watkin’s family is revered for their philanthropy to the Naples community.Having attended the Athen’s Group Seminar on February 5th,2019 we were verypleased with the proposed plans and equally impressed with their portfolio ofresort properties. We truly beleive that choosing the Athens Group will not onlycarry on the Watkins family legacy and traditions but will also be a greatenhacement to the city of Naples.
From: Planning EmailTo: Erica MartinSubject: FW: Letter of support for redevelopment of the Naples Beach Hotel and Golf ClubDate: Monday, February 11, 2019 8:34:02 AMImportance: High
FYI Thank you,
Patty JonesZoning Plans ExaminerCity of Naples295 Riverside CircleNaples, FL 34102Phone [email protected] Think Green & please print this e-mail only if necessary.
Please accept this expression of support for the proposed redevelopment plan for The NaplesBeach Hotel and Golf Club with the hope that the Planning Advisory Board will positively consider theproposal of the Watkins Family and favorably work with them and the neighbors of their marvelousproperty to advance their suggested redevelopment for the benefit of all in our community, indeed all inour portion of Southwest Florida.
As you know, the six key elements of the proposal include:
Maintaining our tradition of hospitality (since 1946!) with a new 220-room luxury hotel toreplace the existing 319-room hotel continuing public access to the property.
Preserving the golf course in a way that ensures that the land will remain open/green spacefor the enjoyment of future generations.
HB’s on the Gulf and the Sunset Beach Bar will be renovated and reopen with the newresort for the Naples community to enjoy as always.
The addition of up to 195 luxury beachfront and golf-side condominium residences into theresort experience.
A reduction in traffic on Gulf Shore Boulevard due to a significant decrease in hotel roomsand meeting space along with consolidated parking underneath the hotel’s buildings as wellas the redesign of the hotel and conference center arrival experience and delivery serviceswith an internal circulation plan to further reduce traffic on Gulf Shore Boulevard.
Major improvements on Gulf Shore Boulevard North to the pedestrian and vehicularexperience for all to enjoy.
Mr. Feight, as you surely appreciate, for 73 years, the Watkins Family have significantlycontributed to The City because their outstanding business has truly added to Naples being theSignature City of Collier County and our portion of Southwest Florida. But…perhaps moreimportantly…the three generations of the Watkins Family have helped enrich the communitycharacter, civitas and ambiance of our Naples. Please recall the list of the Watkins gifts including Chambier Park, Naples High School Stadium,The Naples Players, the Leadership Collier Foundation Community Room, Champions forLearning, the Heart of Naples Apple Award, and Summer Jazz on the Gulf. Now that the Family is entering its next chapter, it is time to assist them to further gift ourcommunity by helping them to positively embed their legacy. Undoubtedly, they will work withboth Naples residents and its government…especially the neighbors of the Naples Beach Hoteland Golf Club…to assure the redeveloped property will be a marvelous enhancement.
Please add my request for your support of the redevelopment plan to the many others you will bereceiving. During my 17 years here, I appreciate that the Planning Advisory Board and the Naples CityCouncil pay special attention to messages like this one from residents of the City of Naples. But I hopeyou will understand that while I live outside the municipality during my 11 years of service asPresident/CEO of The Greater Naples Chamber and Leadership Collier Foundation, I championed anumber of positive advancements for Naples as we worked for the balanced well-being of our county andregion. So, I hope you will favorably consider my support as heartfelt. Respectfully submitted,
Mike Reagen
Michael V. Reagen
From: DavidTo: Robin Singer; Erica MartinSubject: Fwd: The Athens Group - Naples Beach Hotel Redevelopment PlanDate: Monday, February 11, 2019 9:13:58 AM
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From: <[email protected]>Date: February 11, 2019 at 9:10:37 AM ESTTo: [email protected]: The Athens Group - Naples Beach Hotel Redevelopment Plan
Chairman Feight:
Thank you for your commitment to our community, Naples is atremendous city. This is due to things we don’t control, weather andbeaches and things we do control, taxes and good development. Havingserved our community in a public capacity, I appreciate how veryimportant the Naples Planning Advisory Board is and how your role isimportant to this community. Likewise, citizen input certainly plays animportant role in our community. My purpose in contacting you is to weighin on The Athens Group – Naples Beach Hotel Redevelopment Plan.
I participated in one of the many outreach presentations that The AthensGroup conducted to introduce their plan to our community. It is a verygood plan. It is a plan that respects the community by preserving thevaluable green space of the golf course. Their plan will enhance theneighborhood with additional landscaping and it will be friendlier towalkers out enjoying the beauty of the water and the property. At thesame time, traffic will be reduced and parking increased.
The approach by The Athens Group to our community and to this projecthas been inclusive. They’ve sought input and listened to feedback. Iapplaud the Watkins family for seeking out a developer that will preservethe beauty and character of this property. I very much support thisredevelopment plan and hope that the Advisory Board and the CityCouncil are like-minded with their unanimous support.
Dear Mayor Barnett, Planning Advisory Board & City Council Members,
My name is Gillian Rix. I am writing to you in regard to the proposed re-development and re-zoning of the
Naples Beach Hotel and Golf Club Property. I am an owner at the Surfside Club, a two story complex, which
is adjacent to the hotels north beach side property. There are many elements of this re-development project that
are concerning. The most immediate being the proposed condo building C height, length and setback along
with the design and density proposed for the beach side property. I am requesting your help and commitment
to limit building C height and length to code or less than, and to require a much larger setback than planned
from the Surfside Club. I am also asking that more thought and time is put into this entire re-development plan.
The developers proposed towering height of the condo building C (101.5 feet) and proposed close proximity to
the Surfside Club (36 feet) along with the extended length, would overshadow our complex and pool,
potentially harm our landscape and impact our privacy. The current layout of the Watkin’s hotels beach side
buildings are well spaced and designed to be non-obtrusive to neighbors, while at the same time providing great
amenities. I would ask that the same thought of spacing and preservation goes into the new plan. Along with the
proposed density and design of buildings on the beach, I am worried for the surrounding neighborhood with the
planned number of buildings on the golf course side. From the renderings I have seen for this project, if
approved as is, these numerous, tall and stark buildings would take over the area and totally change the quaint
coastal character of the neighborhood, while creating a disproportionate canyon effect down Gulf Shore Blvd N.
I attended the Naples Design Review Board meeting held at the City Hall on November 28, 2018 and listened to
the developer’s presentation along with all of the DRB member’s responses. Two DRB Members, (both
licensed Architects), expressed similar concerns at that meeting and I really value their opinions as the Architect
design professionals. I am not opposed to some development, renovations and change in the area, but this
proposed project seems too massive for this part of Old Naples and for the size of the hotel property acreage and
would be out of sync with the style and layout of the neighborhood.
In addition to our small complex being towered over and shaded, I also have concerns about; 1) the raised
elevation of the proposed next door building and how drainage will be managed, 2) potential pile driving
during construction and how vibrations might affect our condo complex structure and utilities, 3)
overpopulating the beach front (which is not wide to begin with), 4) increased road traffic, wear and tear of
streets and noise during and after construction.
Most urgently, I am asking for your support to limit the proposed adjacent condo building C to code height or
lower than, to limit building length to code and require the developer to give a much larger set back distance
from the Surfside Club property to prevent and protect our quaint complex from being overshadowed and
forever obstructed. As for this building C and the other proposed buildings, I am hoping plans can decelerate a
bit, to allow for more thought by The Athens Group and the city to downsize and redesign the layout to be
more in proportion with the neighborhood in order to preserve the present feeling, spacing and density of
which currently exists.
I truly appreciate the time you give to the city knowing the citizens and property owners of Naples rely on
dedicated elected officials like you to uphold current building codes in order to keep the character, proportion
and charm of Old Naples intact. Thank you so much for your prompt attention to address these concerns.
Sincerely,
Gillian Rix
Gillian Rix
From: DavidTo: Robin Singer; Erica MartinSubject: Fwd: Beach Hotel and Club/Athens Group PlanDate: Sunday, February 10, 2019 5:57:40 PM
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Begin forwarded message:
From: Roger Williams <[email protected]>Date: February 10, 2019 at 5:48:25 PM ESTSubject: Beach Hotel and Club/Athens Group Plan
Dear Planning Advisory Board , This letter is to support the proposed Naples Beach Hotel and Club/AthensGroup project.I live at 1666 Third Street South and have been a resident of Naples since 1972. Iam delighted with the planned development land use that maintains the openspace of the golf course ,decreases the volume of hotel use and provides highquality taxable housing. It also allows the hotel to remain a hub for communitycharities and events.The Watkins family has always considered Naples’ best interest a priority. Thisproject reflects that civic pride and preference.Sincerely, Roger N. Williams, M.D.
