Council approves downtown statue, outdoor dining permits and honors community volunteers
March 18, 2026 | Naples, Collier County, Florida
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Naples City Council used part of its March 18 meeting for routine recognitions and several land‑use and permitting votes.
Awards and proclamations: The council presented the 2026 Sam Noe Award to John Cross and read a resolution honoring his service on the Planning Advisory Board. Mayor Teresa Heitman proclaimed March as American Red Cross Month; John McKinnon of the Red Cross thanked council for the recognition.
Public art: Council approved a life‑size (72‑inch) bronze statue of Don Wynne proposed for a covered pedestrian via at the new mixed‑use building at 1091 1st Avenue South. The Design Review Board unanimously recommended approval subject to an ADA‑compliance condition; council amended the condition to confirm that the applicant will ensure compliance and that staff will verify before final signoff.
Outdoor dining: Council approved two outdoor‑dining petitions:
• Rosati’s Pizza (818 Neapolitan Way) — petitioner presented a plan for 4 tables and 16 chairs occupying under 100 square feet; staff confirmed the life‑safety plan and recommended a standard condition limiting future expansions to council review. Council approved the resolution unanimously.
• Baba Persian Bistro (865 5th Avenue South) — the request consolidated prior approvals and added three heaters on public property and established private‑property dining (9 tables, 38 chairs). The city recommended conditions including a life‑safety plan, limits on square footage (206 sq ft public, 485 sq ft private) and a right‑of‑way agreement with insurance. Council approved the petition 6–1 (Council member Kramer opposed).
Planning and public input: Staff said all petitions were reviewed by relevant departments (fire marshal, planning, police) and that appropriate notices were sent to nearby property owners; no public correspondence had been received on the three items prior to council votes.
Next steps: Staff will record conditions and ensure permitting and life‑safety requirements are met before final implementation.
Awards and proclamations: The council presented the 2026 Sam Noe Award to John Cross and read a resolution honoring his service on the Planning Advisory Board. Mayor Teresa Heitman proclaimed March as American Red Cross Month; John McKinnon of the Red Cross thanked council for the recognition.
Public art: Council approved a life‑size (72‑inch) bronze statue of Don Wynne proposed for a covered pedestrian via at the new mixed‑use building at 1091 1st Avenue South. The Design Review Board unanimously recommended approval subject to an ADA‑compliance condition; council amended the condition to confirm that the applicant will ensure compliance and that staff will verify before final signoff.
Outdoor dining: Council approved two outdoor‑dining petitions:
• Rosati’s Pizza (818 Neapolitan Way) — petitioner presented a plan for 4 tables and 16 chairs occupying under 100 square feet; staff confirmed the life‑safety plan and recommended a standard condition limiting future expansions to council review. Council approved the resolution unanimously.
• Baba Persian Bistro (865 5th Avenue South) — the request consolidated prior approvals and added three heaters on public property and established private‑property dining (9 tables, 38 chairs). The city recommended conditions including a life‑safety plan, limits on square footage (206 sq ft public, 485 sq ft private) and a right‑of‑way agreement with insurance. Council approved the petition 6–1 (Council member Kramer opposed).
Planning and public input: Staff said all petitions were reviewed by relevant departments (fire marshal, planning, police) and that appropriate notices were sent to nearby property owners; no public correspondence had been received on the three items prior to council votes.
Next steps: Staff will record conditions and ensure permitting and life‑safety requirements are met before final implementation.
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