Local coach pitches Riverside rowing center to Fort Myers council

Stefan Stancia, a rowing coach who said he has worked with national-level athletes, told the Fort Myers City Council on Monday that a rowing center at the Riverside boat ramp could provide youth programs, college scholarship opportunities and tourism benefits.

Stancia said the project would start small and asked the city not to tear down an existing warehouse at the ramp so it could be used for boat storage; he asked for three parking/trailer spots and a floating dock to support an initial membership he estimated at roughly 100 people. "It's the expression 'we're all in the same boat' comes from rowing," Stancia said, arguing the sport builds discipline, camaraderie and postsecondary opportunities.

Council members and staff raised logistics. Planning staff showed a site layout that would reduce trailer parking by about four or five spaces and noted the building needs roof and electrical repairs. Nicole Devon, the city's planning manager, said moving the building doors to the north side would ease boat access but would affect stormwater and parking configurations.

Council members pressed on water-safety and permitting: how rowers would share launch space with motorboats and fishermen, and whether Army Corps and state DEP permits would be required. Staff said coach-boat operators must meet state licensing rules and the city had already submitted permit materials for other waterfront work; Army Corps review remains in process.

City staff said they did not expect significant upfront city expense beyond minor site redesign and repairs, but that a formal negotiation would be necessary to assign responsibilities for repairs and operations. When Mayor Anderson asked if anyone opposed staff pursuing negotiations, no council member objected and staff was directed to continue talks with the rowing group.

The council did not take formal action beyond directing staff to pursue terms and return with specifics; next steps include negotiated terms for use of the site, scope of repairs, parking arrangements and any required federal or state permits.