November 2025 Meeting Minutes – Greater Pine Island Civic Association

Greater Pine Island Civic Association General Membership Minutes

Date: 11-04-2025

Location: First Baptist Church of Pine Island

Board Members Present: Christine Blum, Nadine Slimak, Steve Eldredge, Deborah Swisher-Hicks, Sue Dahod, Kathy Chumley

The Membership minutes from the October meeting were presented. A motion was made, seconded and the minutes were approved.

October Financials:oTotal Income: $454, Total Expenses: $353, Net Income: approx. $101
Year-to-Date Financials:oIncome: approx. $5,000, Expenses: approx. $3,500, Net Income: $1,448.86
Investments and Cash Balance:oThe current cash availability is $13,373, which is above the board’s target of$10,000.oA CD ladder is being established to have funds mature monthly, allowing for lower targeted cash levels.oA $15,000 CD matured in September was split into three $5,000 CDs of differing maturities. A similar strategy will be used for the CD maturing on December 10th.

Public Hearing: Rezoning at 4100 Pine Island Road NW

Project Proposal: Steve Soloway and Mike Amato presented a request to rezone aresidential lot (RM6) at 4100 Pine Island Road NW to create a parking lot for a newrestaurant on the adjacent C1-zoned property. The county requires a minimum of 37parking spaces, which the restaurant lot alone cannot accommodate.
**Restaurant Concept: The proposed restaurant will be a casual, family-friendlyestablishment serving lunch and dinner, with weekend brunch. Future plans includeusing 300ft of beach area for tiki umbrellas and chairs.

Community Feedback:

Competition & Parking: Concerns were raised about competition withexisting restaurants. The developers noted they are local, not a corporation,and are mandated by current regulations to add the parking.
Traffic: A resident expressed concern about worsening traffic in Matlacha. Atraffic study is required, but a turn lane is not currently anticipated.
Environmental: In response to questions, the developers stated they areworking with an environmental engineer, will seek permits for any beachmodifications, and will not impact mangroves. The existing building will bewaterproofed up to seven feet rather than elevated.
Support: The Matlacha Civic Association and other attendees voiced strongsupport, citing the need for economic recovery and services in Matlachaafter the loss of four local restaurants.
Conclusion: The hearing’s purpose was solely to discuss the rezoning forthe parking lot. A vote was taken among attendees on the proposal. A voteof attendees was taken. 27 votes were in favor, 6 opposed.

Steve Eldredge and Sue Dahod introduced a GPICA initiative to proactively monitor development and zoning applications on Pine Island in order to engage early in these processes

Matlacha Civic Association (MCA)

Upcoming events being held at Beacon

GPICA

Adopt-A-Road: Next clean-up dates: Tomorrow, Nov. 5 and Wednesday, Dec. 3, 2025–9am meet at the Bokeelia post office

Calusa Land Trust Work Parties in the Preserves

Work 9am to Noon, followed by pizza lunch
Pruning, clearing invasives — bring work gloves, loppers, pruning shears, rakes & chair to sit in for lunch (if you want)
RSVP to Robert Ballard: mrobertballard64@gmail.com

Upcoming dates/locations:

Overnight Lane Closures: Little Pine Island Bridge

Eastbound lane closed 8pm-5am Wednesday night and Thursday night this week for concrete work

Calusa Waterkeeper 30th Anniversary Celebration

Pine Island Stone Crab Fest – Sunday, November 9, 2025

Household Hazardous Waste Collection Saturday, November 15 @ PhillipsPark 8am-Noon

The BIG Shred Saturday, November 8 from 9-11 at John E. ManningGovernment Complex, 1039 SE 9th Place, Cape Coral

—Respectfully submitted by Steve Eldredge, Secretary/Treasurer