Windermere Town Council stalls Town Hall restrooms

Windermere Town Council has decided to pause work on the construction of restrooms to give town staff time to look at other potential locations for the restrooms at Town Hall.

The Town Council approved the Town Hall restroom and renovation project at council’s Dec. 10 meeting. Under those plans, the restrooms potentially would be constructed close to Town Hall adjacent to the town’s ADA parking spots near Town Hall. 

Council Member Brandi Haines brought forth a motion at council’s meeting Tuesday, May 13, to rescind the approval of the restroom portion of the project to allow for town staff to look at alternate locations with community feedback in mind. 

Several residents spoke against the planned location during public comments, citing concerns regarding safety and maintaining Town Hall’s historic designation.

Windermere’s Joan Foglia said she, along with other residents, have been collecting signatures for a petition to ask council to reconsider its December vote and consider other locations. She said the petition had 110 signatures as of Tuesday, May 13. 

“I know that you as Town Council members and the town’s team have been working so hard on these bathrooms and the renovations of Town Hall really feel like you’ve engaged the public and you know what they want, but I can tell you, after talking to these 110 residents, that is not true,” Foglia said. “These 110 people do not want the bathrooms on the corner of the Town Hall. … Let’s take a breather. Let’s do this the right way. Don’t waste money. Find out what the residents really want. Find the best and safest place to put the public restrooms and look for the money.”

Council Member Tony Davit said staff should look at alternate locations as well as conduct cost estimates on ADA compliance in those other locations. 

Council Member Andy Williams said a hard look should be taken at all potential locations. 

“We need to get clear directions, because I hate doing this twice,” Williams said. “It’s getting tiresome.”

Council directed town staff to take 30 days to look at the ADA requirements for putting the bathrooms behind the library and the associated costs. In this time, town committees such as the Windermere Tree Board will be able to provide input. 

Depending on the estimated costs, the council can determine whether town staff should proceed with obtaining community feedback on the potential locations. 

Windermere Town Council will discuss the Town Hall restrooms again at its meeting on Tuesday, June 10.