FORT MYERS BEACH, Fla. — There are several updates in the Margaritaville resort development.
Fort Myers Beach town council members say the project was supposed to be completed in 2021.
But delays in ordinances, permits and a lingering lawsuit have stalled construction.
“The vast majority, 90% plus are frustrated by this delay, ” said Fort Myers Beach town council member, Bruce Butcher,
The project’s developer, Tom Torgerson says the but the impending lawsuit has completely stalled financing.
In a statement from Christine Patton, who is in opposition to the project; her lawyers say they are seeking additional review of the city’s approval of the number of hotel rooms, building height and square footage, and restrictions to public beach access
TPI and the developer say they want to set the record straight, they say the current building design meets all height restrictions.
“You will not find anywhere in the town’s documents a height restriction where the buildings going, the maximum height will be 52ft, ” said Tom Torgerson.
TPI says there will be 3 separate public access areas.
“So we haven’t eliminated public access to the beach, we’ve actually improved and increased it, ” said John Gucciardo.
People against the project have also expressed concerns about traffic congestion.
Town council member Bruce Butcher says they are working with lee county and FDOT to alleviate the problem, adding a pedestrian overpass and traffic signals.
“One of the ways that will be enacted in new signals at the Crescent St. and at the foot of the bridge and also in Old St Carlos blvd, ” said Butcher.
The developer adds, that most guests only travel when checking in and out of the resort.
“Our guest don’t depart at peak traffic times and they don’t depart at peak traffic times is really important to understand, ” said Tom Torgerson.
For now, the project is on a standstill until the lawsuit is settled.
