Land purchase for Mooring Field's services facility

At the Town Council meeting on Monday, Jan. 24, 2022, Councilors approved a resolution authorizing the Mayor, Town Manager, and Town Attorney to close the purchase of two parcels of property for $1 million owned by Gordon Zeng.

These parcels, at 166 Chapel Street and 99 Tropical Shores Way, are about a half acre combined. They are adjacent to Town Hall in the back and face each other on both sides of the canal that connects to Estero Bay.

Their purchase provides the opportunity to expand service facilities as determined by Town Council, including a future building to house upland services for the Matanzas Pass Mooring Field. Upland services for the Mooring Field are currently leased through the Harbour House on San Carlos Boulevard in the Downtown District.

"The Town's Comprehensive Plan states that the Town should acquire property to perform the functions of a municipality and to also acquire waterfront property," said Roger Hernstadt, Town Manager.

To assist in this purchase and construction costs, the Town will pursue State and other grants that are available for improvements to land, according to Hernstadt. He also said that the final build out net costs will be in the form of a "mortgage" to the marina operations, replacing the current monthly rent.

The Town will use contingency funds ($400,000); loan reimbursement ($300,000); and a reduction in other capital projects ($300,00) to purchase the properties.