by SC Reporter Emilie Alfino
The Sanibel Plan Update Steering Committee met on Nov. 19 and began its discussions with the Vision Statement, which lays out the community’s shared values and goals to guide future decisions.
(Note that any changes to the Vision Statement (found in full here) would require a referendum of the citizens of Sanibel because it is part of the City Charter.)
The Vision Statement values, in order of priority, are that (1) Sanibel is and shall remain a barrier island SANCTUARY; (2) Sanibel is and shall remain a small-town COMMUNITY whose members choose to live in harmony with one another and with nature; and (3) Sanibel will welcome visitors who are drawn by, and are respectful of, its values; it will resist pressures to accommodate visitor ATTRACTIONS and activities that compromise these qualities.
Committee members floated some ideas that they will ultimately forward to the consultant working on the project.
Committee member Bob Moore suggested adding language to strengthen the focus on resilience to reduce environmental impacts.
“Diversity of the island is being challenged by the economics of the island,” said committee member Jeff Muddell. He suggested we “push people higher in the hierarchy” of values and make the vision a little more in-depth.
Committee Vice Chair Eric Pfeifer said, “I think the Vision Statement has always been perfect.” He added that the challenges Sanibel faces today are different from those its predecessors faced.
The average sale price of a home on Sanibel is now $1,275,000, he stressed. “We don’t want to become a wealthy community with nothing to do,” he said, adding that the island needs more attractions. City staff noted that the Vision Statement has never prohibited any attractions.
Committee member Larry Schopp said there is nothing in the Vision Statement that would support any changes. “It’s about the community, relationships, and core values,” he said. “It was composed 30 years ago.
“The Vision Statement was always meant to be philosophical and aspirational,” Schopp continued. “To change it would be like changing the Declaration of Independence.”
The committee then discussed the Housing Element and the Historic Preservation Element of the Plan.
The Housing Element must be updated by the consultant, as many of the figures are outdated. All agreed, and it is in the Plan, that affordable housing is both desirable and necessary to achieve a culturally and economically diverse community.
It is also in the best interest of businesses on the island to hire nearby employees.
As it stands in the Plan, the city’s goal is to ensure 3 percent of the residential population is in affordable housing. The city has never reached that 3 percent goal. The committee thought that the goal was inadequate and should be increased. The consultant will review their comments.
There was not much discussion about the Historical Element, as updates are needed across a variety of historical listings. One committee member asked why the Lighthouse was on the National Registry but not on the local registry of historic places.
Also, the committee asked whether elevating roadways in the future would affect any historical issues, and whether the renourishment and elevation of the Gulf and beaches need to be addressed.
The committee’s next meeting is Dec. 17, 2025, at 9 a.m. in MacKenzie Hall. There will be a public workshop on Feb. 18, 2026, at the Community House, with a time to be determined, but it will be in the evening.
The Transportation Master Plan Steering Committee saw a presentation by the consultants reviewing the public involvement plan.
Committee Chair Bill Millar said, “This is in the formative stages.”
The committee members represent critical stakeholders on Sanibel: Matt Deapolis (SCCF), Erika Steiner (Planning Commission), Bill Millar (COTI), Pasquale Russo (member at large), and Evelyn Stewart (Chamber).
The next meeting of this committee will be Jan. 21, 2026, at 1:30 p.m. in MacKenzie Hall.
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