Estero Groups Endorse DevelopmentProject would mesh residential, retail, office uses By Denise L. Scott Estero residents turned Wednesday's zoning hearing into a love-fest for Estero on the River, a proposed mix of residential, retail, office and cultural uses featuring public access to the Estero River. The project, at the northeast corner of U.S. 41 and Corkscrew Road, received endorsements from community groups such as the Estero Community Planning Panel and Estero Chamber of Commerce. But even next-door neighbors became unlikely supporters, such as Estero River Outfitters owner Paula Stuller. J.E.D. Development is revising the site's allowable uses so she can keep her kayak and canoe sales and rental business afloat. J.E.D.'s attorney, Chuck Basinait, told Lee County Hearing Examiner Richard A. Gescheidt Stuller's business, which now partially sits on J.E.D. land, can continue at its present location or somewhere else on site. Another unlikely supporter was Ellen Peterson, whose home will be surrounded by the project. "I appreciate them working with the community and donating to me the College of Life building," she said. That building, at the southwest corner of the site, is home to archives of the former Koreshan Utopian society. A new building for the organization — whose director sold the land to J.E.D. — will be built on another portion of the site. About 40 people attended the seven-hour hearing, but only 14 stuck around to speak. Many had minor concerns about the impact of 349 residential units and 300,000 square feet of commercial space on adjacent property and roads, but all support the project as a whole. They echoed the sentiments of Lee County staff, who support rezoning and J.E.D. paying more than $2 million to be allowed to build 181 more residential units, bringing the total to 530. The developer plans to set aside 10 percent of the total approved units for moderate-income housing (households earning 81 to 120 percent of the county's median income the year the units are built). The project also calls for the construction of Gulfshore Playhouse, a 550-seat professional theater with a 150-seat studio and learning institute. Gescheidt's decision won't be released for more than a month. Lee County commissioners will make the final decision at a date not yet scheduled. This project, which has been in the approval process for three years, is more complicated because it calls for residential units to be built above retail in the same building. Lee County is revising its codes to allow those "mixed-use" projects, but J.E.D. had to struggle with existing requirements. "Community. Culture. Connectivity. These words encompass the essence of this project, what a mixed-use project is all about," Basinait said. "Don't let the lack of regulations give you concerns about the quality of this project." The developer is setting aside land for future mass transit stops and is focused on creating a walkable community with plenty of green spaces for neighborhood gatherings. Betsy D'Jamoos, J.E.D.'s chief operating officer, said her company's efforts will make it easier for future mixed-used projects. "We have a risk-taking, pioneer spirit to meet up to the challenge, even though the technical documents don't exist yet," she said. If commissioners approve the project, Estero on the River can't begin construction until at least 2010, when the state plans to begin widening U.S. 41 to six lanes from Estero to San Carlos Park. "As long as they stay on schedule with 2010-11, we think that will work with our schedule," Basinait said. |