The public got an advance look at a proposal to add a marina project near the North Fort Myers/Cape Coral line.

Lee County held an open-house type session at the North Fort Myers Recreation Center on Wednesday for the project that calls for a private party to build $9 million in various amenities on the county-owned Waterway Estates property on Inlet Drive.

Lee County would maintain ownership of the property with all improvements to be funded by the proposed lessee, Safe Harbor Marinas, which developed Tarpon Point and Burnt Store Marina.

Conceptual plans include a dry storage area for 200 boats, wet and floating boat slips, a fuel dock, waterfront restaurant and a pool as well as a possible Sheriff’s Office marine substation.

Much of the property would be private membership, though the restaurant would be public.

The project is unrelated to the proposed Paradise Isle project.

The open-house was intended to update residents on the project before the Board of County Commissioners considers the proposal at its regular meeting on Dec. 7.

While there were a few concerns expressed, the overall reaction was decidedly positive.

“It’s a long time coming. It definitely is something the neighborhood needs. It will increase traffic a little bit, but it’s better than vacant land,” said Danny Ballard, president of the North Fort Myers Civic Association. “There are going to be headaches when you have anything new coming in, but in the long run it will be well worth it.”

If the plan lacks anything, it is a boat launch, which North Fort Myers does not have.

“I wish there had been consideration for public boat ramps. I would have liked to have seen that added so the residents have some way to get to the river,” said John Gardner, president of the North Fort Myers Chamber of Commerce.

Years ago, the site was home to Caloosa Isle Marina and a restaurant. A fire in 2003 caused severe damage with Hurricane Charley causing more a year later.

The county then bought the land from a developer for $13.8 million and maintained ownership.

There also was a sewage treatment plant there, which angered residents in the area.

In March 2019, the Lee Board of County Commissioners voted to direct staff to solicit developer proposals for the property based on current entitlements.

Resident JoAnne McCormack, who has lived in the area since the Caloosa Isle days, said she and her husband Bob are looking forward to the new marina.

“I’m looking forward to having development in back of me. I’m concerned about the height of the building and the boat lifts,” JoAnne said. “We fought five years to get rid of that plant. The smell was awful.”

“As long as it’s run right and is quiet. It was there when we moved here. It will be all right,” Bob said.

As the procurement process is ongoing, it limits the ability of staff and commissioners to comment to ensure the integrity of the process.

For more information and updates, visit www.leegov.com/waterwayestates.