WCIND Meeting Summary

A meeting with the WCIND (West Coast Inland Navigational District) was held today at 10:00 a.m. at the Venice Police Station to discuss the proposed second ferry landing at 100 Kettle Harbor Drive. More than 30 Palm Island residents attended, with 11 Islanders speaking in opposition to the proposed location.

While individual speakers shared different perspectives, the concerns raised were consistent:

• Proximity to homes
  The proposed landing would be extremely close to private residences, in some cases within 20 to 40 feet of bedroom windows.
• Incompatibility with a residential area
  Residents described the site as unsuitable for commercial use and questioned why it was considered at all.
• Noise, light, and air pollution
  Speakers raised concerns about ongoing operational impacts that would disrupt the quiet and peaceful character of the neighborhood.
• Safety and traffic issues
  The narrow, unpaved access road and sharp curve were cited as already dangerous and ill suited for increased traffic and ferry activity.
• Environmental concerns
  Residents questioned the need for dredging and the potential impact on an environmentally stable area.
• Property value impacts
  Many stated the ferry landing would significantly reduce property values and affect future resale.

WCIND Commissioner Discussion

After public comments concluded, the WCIND commissioners discussed three potential ferry locations, including 100 Kettle Harbor Drive. All three commissioners expressed agreement with Islanders that the Kettle Harbor site is not appropriate for a ferry landing. They described the location as functionally problematic and fundamentally different from the current ferry landing, particularly due to its placement within a residential neighborhood.

However, Commissioners Tiseo and Cutsinger noted that while they do not support the Kettle Harbor location, they are not opposed to considering other potential locations for a second ferry and called the current ferry a “monopoly.”

Other Locations Discussed

1. Current ferry landing
   Commissioners noted ongoing uncertainty regarding ownership and property interests related to the existing ferry site and associated mainland properties. WCIND stated that a real estate attorney has been engaged to clarify ownership and determine WCIND’s interests moving forward.
2. North end of the island
   A larger parcel on the north end of the island was discussed, but commissioners noted that it presents significant challenges, including access via a private road, which would prevent it from being a viable location.

Vote and Outcome

Following this discussion, a motion was made to deny the proposed ferry leasing agreement for the 100 Kettle Harbor Drive parcel. The motion passed unanimously, with all commissioners voting in favor and none opposed.

Lastly, the topic of community notification was also discussed. While commissioners acknowledged that WCIND is not legally required to notify nearby residents, several agreed that doing so would be the courteous and appropriate approach and emphasized the importance of listening to community input.

WCIND Commissioners in Attendance

• Joe Tiseo, Charlotte County
• Ron Cutsinger, Sarasota County
• Kevin Ruane, Lee County
• Jason Bearden, Manatee County