County continues negotiations on San Carlos Island parcels for proposed public boat ramp; sellers and attorneys asked to finalize contract language

Lee County commissioners on June 16 instructed staff to continue negotiating the acquisition of five Main Street parcels on San Carlos Island that the county has targeted for a public boat ramp and waterfront park, and asked county and estate attorneys to work toward agreed contract language within weeks.

County lands staff told the board the five parcels (including 1100 and 1120–1138 Main Street) are under active negotiation; recent seller concessions dropped a multi‑parcel asking package to about $5.55 million for parcels 1120–1138 and left the smaller 1100 Main Street parcel at roughly $75,000 above appraisal but with a longer (180‑day) closing window. Staff cautioned the board that CDBG‑DR funding may be used to pay up to appraised value but any purchase price above appraisal would require the board to identify another funding source, such as general‑fund reserves.

Why it matters: the project is intended to restore public waterfront access in a central Main Street location but carries substantial acquisition, demolition and construction costs. County staff estimated the total project (land acquisition plus seawall, elevated restrooms, demolition and ramp infrastructure) at roughly $17–18 million; preliminary concept sketches showed room for about 16 trailer parking stalls. Commissioners raised that ratio of parking to cost while weighing long‑term economic and recreational benefits.

Speakers for the seller and estate urged speed in reaching contractual agreement. Lori Albian of SPN Commercial Partners, representing the estate, asked the county attorney’s office to convene with the estate attorney within two weeks to resolve contract language and avoid keeping the property tied up for months. Albian said, “If they can come to terms on the language, then we can go ahead and move forward with the approval at the next board meeting,” and urged that due diligence and permitting be done in parallel once a contract is agreed.

County Attorney Richard Wes advised against staff entering private property for inspections without either a signed contract or a documented authorization and recommended following the standard sequence: contract, inspection/due diligence and then closing. Staff indicated HUD environmental review work could be started if the attorneys reach a meeting of the minds and an agenda item is likely to be returned for the August 4 meeting.

The board voted to continue negotiations and directed county counsel to work with the estate attorney to try to resolve contract language in the coming weeks; the board also authorized staff to begin HUD environmental review once legal language is resolved and an agenda item is expected.

Ending: Staff will return with a finalized purchase agreement or a recommendation to continue negotiations; the county and the estate asked for a short timeline so permits and environmental review can proceed if the board approves a contract.