Paraiso Beach Club Proposed for North Naples, Awaiting County Approval
Naples, FL – A new members-only beach club, Paraiso Beach Club, is slated for progress in North Naples, Florida, pending final approval from Collier County commissioners this October. The proposed club, situated along the Gulf of America near Vanderbilt Beach, has already received unanimous support from the Collier county Planning Commission on August 21st.
Project Overview and Design
The multi-story clubhouse will occupy a 1.35-acre site, offering direct access to Vanderbilt Beach.The design emphasizes blending with the surrounding neighborhood,resembling a large single-family home from the front. Bob Mulhere, a certified planner with Bowman Consulting, presented architectural renderings to the planning commission, highlighting considerable setbacks and plans for dune restoration.
The club will feature an elevated deck and pool spanning 11,622 square feet, alongside a 17,000+ square foot restaurant and bar with outdoor dining accommodating up to 463 patrons. The building’s height is planned for 55 feet, including a sloped roof, slightly exceeding the current zoning limit of 38 feet.
Pro Tip: Private beach clubs frequently enough contribute to local economies by creating jobs and attracting tourism, but can also raise questions about equitable access to public resources.
traffic Mitigation and Shuttle Service
To minimize traffic impact, Paraiso Beach Club plans to primarily utilize a shuttle service for its members, discouraging individual vehicle access. Limited parking will be available for deliveries and employees, with designated handicapped parking spaces. This approach mirrors the prosperous model employed by the Floridian Club, a nearby private beach club. According to a 2021 study by the Transportation Research Board, shuttle services can significantly reduce congestion in coastal areas [Transportation Research Board].
Community Support and Resident feedback
The proposal has garnered support from local residents, who cite potential benefits such as reduced beach congestion and increased property values. Sally Hughes, a 25-year resident of the Vanderbilt Beach neighborhood, expressed hope that the club would “restore the serenity” of the area, which has become increasingly crowded. Lesley Garlock, a local Realtor, highlighted the positive impact of private beach clubs on property values, referencing the high demand at Pelican Bay.
No residents formally opposed the project during the planning commission meeting, with over a dozen speaking in favor. Dan Dvorznak, a local condo owner, noted the club would provide a convenient, walkable beach access point for residents currently facing overcrowding at public beaches.
Key Project Details
| detail | information |
|---|---|
| Project Name | Paraiso Beach Club |
| Location | North Naples,Florida (Vanderbilt Beach area) |
| Site Size | 1.35 acres |
| Approval Status | unanimous approval from Collier County Planning Commission; awaiting County Commissioner decision in October. |
| Expected Opening | Mid-2027 |
Applicant and Legal Depiction
The project is being spearheaded by Paraiso Beach Club LLC, with David Tingley serving as the company’s manager. Naples land use attorney Rich Yovanovich represents the applicant, emphasizing extensive community engagement during the design phase. Yovanovich argued that the club offers a preferable alternative to building two large waterfront homes on the property, potentially improving view corridors for the surrounding community.
Did You Know? The Gulf of Mexico was formerly known as the Gulf of America, a ancient designation that reflects early exploration and mapping of the region.
Next Steps and County Commission Review
The project requires both a rezoning and a conditional use approval from the Collier County Commissioners.Staff has recommended approval, citing the project’s low traffic generation and potential benefits to the community.The final decision is scheduled for October. According to Florida Statute 163.3202, local governments have broad authority to regulate land use and development [Florida Statutes].
What are your thoughts on the balance between private development and public beach access? Do you believe this club will truly alleviate congestion, or simply shift it elsewhere?
The development of private beach clubs in Southwest Florida reflects a broader trend of luxury tourism and exclusive amenities catering to affluent residents and visitors. This trend is driven by the region’s desirable climate, pristine beaches, and growing economy.Though, it also raises crucial questions about equitable access to coastal resources and the potential for increased development pressure on sensitive ecosystems.
Frequently Asked Questions about Paraiso Beach Club
- What is Paraiso Beach Club? Paraiso Beach Club is a proposed members-only private beach club in North Naples, Florida.
- When is the expected opening date? The club is currently slated to open in mid-2027.
- What steps are being taken to mitigate traffic? The club plans to primarily utilize a shuttle service for members to minimize traffic congestion.
- What is the status of the project’s approval? The project has received unanimous approval from the Collier County Planning Commission and is awaiting a decision from the County Commissioners in October.
- Will the club be open to the public? No, Paraiso Beach club is intended to be a private facility exclusively for its members.
We hope this article provided valuable insight into the proposed Paraiso beach Club. Share this story with your friends and neighbors, and let us know your thoughts in the comments below! Don’t forget to subscribe to our newsletter for the latest news and updates from around the world.
