GPICA seeks ‘stop-work order’ for Dollar General
Greater Pine Island Civic Association has sent a resolution to the Lee County Department of Community Development asking the agency to issue a stop-work order for the construction of Dollar General on Pine Island.
According to the GPICA board of directors, the reason for the immediate halt to further construction stems from several instances in which the contractors have allegedly strayed from the approved plans first presented to the island residents. Among the items in question is the elevations for the project. According to a statement issued by GPICA spokesman, Phil Buchanan, the elevations are not what his group had approved and he believes are not in keeping with the Pine Island Plan, specifically signage.
“The elevations drawn by the developer and his contractors in consultation with the Lee County DCD staff as well as GPICA and other Pine Island community members were deemed by all to be consistent with the Pine Island Plan requirement of ‘Old Florida’ or ‘cracker’ commercial design standards. The original plans depict a modest sigh above the doorway and did not include any other signs. Signage was a critical element when the elevations were approved by the community,” Buchanan said. “The sign over the front door is far bigger than approved and sign out by the road was not approved at all. These signs are not only enormous, but are cheap, ugly, cheesy and downright offensive. They have no value whatsoever unless airplanes over South Florida are looking for landmarks.”
Buchanan further stated that ‘There is no reason, commercial or otherwise, for putting such signage on Pine Island. There are numerous commercial enterprises in the vicinity of this project and none have signage even remotely resembling that now under construction at this project.”
The newest commercial structure in close proximity of the Dollar General site is Southwest Capital Bank, constructed near the island center in February 2009. It has has been used as an example by the GPICA as to what a commercial building’s appearance should be on the island.
“When I was asked to help design the new branch here on Pine Island, we made every effort to work with the community and ensure that our building met with their approval,” said branch manager Elsie Stearns. “Even the smallest details like the number and style of windows was taken into careful consideration and all of this was done not only to comply with the Pine Island Plan, but also to be a good neighbor. We are very proud of the fact that the GPICA has recognized us in this effort. In my opinion, any new construction here should not only comply with the Pine Island Plan, but it should meet with the approval of the community it will be serving.”
Among those who were approached to impose the immediate stop-work order for Dollar General was District 1 County Commissioner John Manning, who represents the interests of Pine Island.
“We have taken positive steps in looking at the issue and are working with Dollar General to reach a conclusion that will satisfy everyone,” Manning said. “We will do everything we can to ensure the needs of the island are met and to let it be known that any business that complies with the standards set by Pine Islander’s is fine as long as they adhere to the Pine Island Plan and maintain the integrity of the Old Florida style.”
Neither Dollar General nor the contractor could be reached for comment by press time.