City of Naples process and approval of the NCH Heart Institute

City of Naples Seal

Media Contact:
Monique Barnhart-Tiberio
Communications & Public Outreach Manager
O: (239) 213-1001 | C: (239) 571-9426
mbarnhart@naplesgov.com

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

 

Naples, FL (January 19, 2024) – The City of Naples seeks to provide clarity and correct misinformation regarding the rezone petition for the NCH Heart Institute. Contrary to recent reports, the City Council did not delay or push the vote but is following a well-defined process in accordance with state statutes and city ordinances.

Last night, the City Council approved, by a 4-1 vote, the first reading of the ordinance to rezone approximately 13.72 acres from the "M" medical district to the "PS" Public Service District. This significant step is part of a comprehensive process initiated by the Naples Community Hospital (NCH) to construct a hospital building exceeding 3 stories and 42 feet in height on its current campus. The project aims to accommodate a new Heart, Vascular, and Stroke Institute along with a parking structure.

To clarify the timeline and steps involved in the approval process, the City outlines the following:

  • Submittal for Preliminary Design Review: Received by the City on January 9, 2023
  • Preliminary Design Review by the Design Review Board
  • Submittal of Site Plan: Received by the City on May 1, 2023
  • Review of Site Plan by all City Staff for compliance with regulations and policies
  • Submittal of Rezone application and Conditional Use application
  • Planning Advisory Board review of Ordinance to Rezone, Resolution for Conditional Use, and Resolution for Site Plan
  • City Council hears First Reading of Ordinance to Rezone and considers the resolutions for Conditional Use and Site Plan as discussion only items – pursuant to FL Statute 166.041 and City of Naples Code of Ordinances, an Ordinance requires a first and second reading – the consideration and final action on the Conditional Use and Site Plan are predicated upon the property being rezoned to Public Service and, therefore, cannot take place until after Council approves Second Reading of the Ordinance to Rezone – Approved on January 18, 2024
  • City Council hears Second Reading of Ordinance to Rezone and takes final action on Conditional Use and Site Plan – Scheduled for February 7, 2024
  • Submittal for Final Design Review
  • Final Design Review by the Design Review Board

It is essential to correct the inaccurate reporting suggesting a delay of over three years. The City of Naples has been diligently working with NCH to address height limitations in the City Code of Ordinances for commercial zoning districts, which restricts the maximum height to 42 feet.  Mayor Teresa Heitmann stated, "The accusations that the NCH petition has been deliberately slowed down by city staff or city council is false. This misinformation confuses our community and is divisive. The City worked with NCH to develop a legal pathway for consideration of their plans for a new heart institute. When the city was presented with the NCH plan, it was handled correctly. Neither our boards, City staff, or City Council has or will circumvent the process or ignore our laws. Our staff and Council respond correctly and respectfully to every petitioner and ensure that transparency and community engagement are part of our governing process."

Mr. Paul Hiltz, President and CEO of NCH stated, “I’d like to thank the Mayor and the City Council for the collaboration and support of our Heart, Vascular and Stroke Institute in the heart of Naples. We are encouraged by the yes vote yesterday. We look forward to final approval on February 7, so we can move forward with the institute.”

The City Council remains committed to transparent governance, adhering to established procedures, and fostering open communication with the community. Residents are encouraged to participate in the upcoming public hearings to voice their opinions and contribute to the decision-making process.

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