Collaborative Efforts to Enhance Storm Resilience

In a coordinated effort to bolster storm resilience for the surrounding condominiums, board representatives from Commons T/U, R, and S have been meeting every two weeks with an array of professionals, including coastal engineers, land design architects, construction representatives, and city storm water planners. This collaborative approach is paving the way for a comprehensive and forward-looking initiative.

Vision for the Beach Park

At the heart of these discussions is a proposal to elevate the existing promenade to a height comparable to the elevated structure north of the PSA beach park. Currently, the elevation of the promenade in front of our beach park is approximately six feet. The goal is to more than double its height by constructing a substantial berm topped by the promenade. This design promises to deliver enhanced protection against storm surge and sand displacement—benefits that were demonstrated during previous storms, Helene and Milton, when properties shielded by higher berm levels escaped significant damage.

Collaboration and Preparation

PSA Board President Nancy Walkenhorst has been granted the opportunity to sit in on these meetings. Her involvement ensures that the PSA is well-positioned to align its plans with the broader framework being developed by the Commons representatives. This cooperative approach underscores the importance of unified planning to achieve the best outcomes. Each commons board will make decisions for areas that are shared by multiple condominiums, each with different circumstances such as proximity to the beach and the existing promenade. Different structures have different elevations as well.

Challenges Ahead

While the vision is clear, much work remains to bring it to fruition. Key hurdles include navigating regulatory processes with the State of Florida Environmental Protection Agency and the City of Naples permitting department. Additionally, financial backing from the Commons boards will be crucial to advance the project. These discussions and negotiations are an essential part of ensuring that the project is both sustainable and effective. There is an overall commitment to overcoming these challenges.

A Future of Resilience

Planners are hopeful they may soon be ready to submit in a preliminary manner the design for the berm, to the Florida DEP and the City of Naples. Work to develop the plans will continue as this process moves forward. It is anticipated to take at least six months to get through the permitting process. The length of the berm to be raised is approximately 3500 linear feet, so this will be a substantial project. The resilience this will offer is something to which we all look forward.