Panel updated on Estero project

Done in anticipation of April rezoning hearing

By Denise L. Scott
Ft. Myers News-Press
March 13, 2007

The developers of Estero on the River gave a courtesy update to a volunteer community review group Monday in anticipation of its county rezoning hearing in early April.

The Estero Community Planning Panel had already formally reviewed the proposed project, a mix of 530 residential units and 300,000 square feet of commercial space, including a 550-seat Gulfshore Playhouse, on 85 acres at the northeast corner of U.S. 41 and Corkscrew Road in Estero.

The Estero River cuts the property in half, and J.E.D. Development wants to make what is now private property along the river a pedestrian-friendly community hub for public enjoyment, with enhanced natural buffers, paths and canoe launches.

Planner and project manager Cherie Akers and attorney Chuck Basinait focused on the developer's response to concerns of county planning staff, who will issue a report on March 21 outlining their recommendation for approval or denial of the project. Akers said J.E.D. plans to comply with all of the requests, which include:

• Limiting perimeter building heights to 45 feet and 35 feet.
• Orienting parking lots away from U.S. 41.
• Requesting deviations to allow for residential to be built above retail.
• Increasing landscaping at the corner of U.S. 41 and Corkscrew Road.
• Providing more architectural details.
• Setting aside land for the future Sandy Lane realignment.
• Revising the plan to comply with any approved flood map revisions.
• Preserving historic structures that remain on site.
• Providing public river access and restoration of native vegetation.
• Providing affordable housing on site or a cash contribution to Lee County's affordable housing program.