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 After considerable discussion the membership of the ECCL adopted the following resolution in support of the project:

“Whereas, the most current transportation data available indicates there is no definitive long term need for either a Coconut Road Extension Flyover or an interchange at the intersection of the Coconut Road Extension and Interstate 75, and

Whereas, the MPO 2035 Transportation Needs Plan as approved by the Lee County MPO  has eliminated both the Coconut Road Extension Flyover and the Coconut Road/I-75 interchange, and

Whereas, Oakbrook Properties, the owner of the 38 acre parcel known as the “Martini Glass”  and the Coconut Road Extension, desires to develop this parcel of land, and

Whereas, Oakbrook Properties needs to vacate the reservation of the 150’  Right of Way bisecting this parcel of land for the extension of Coconut Road to the I-75 Right of Way and expanded Right of Way allowing for  a Coconut Road flyover in order to proceed with rezoning of the parcel for development, therefore:

Be it Resolved that the Estero Council of Community Leaders proclaims its support for Oakbrook Properties request to vacate the reservation of the 150’ Right of Way and other Right of Ways described in the previous paragraph  currently dedicated to the Coconut Road Extension and flyover and;

Be it Further Resolved that the Estero Council of Community Leaders also proclaims its support of the developer’s request for rezoning of this parcel of land.”

The developer plans to file the application with the County in mid-April. That will be followed by consideration by the Regional Planning Commission in July or August; a Hearing before a Lee County Hearing Examiner in about October or November and finally the Hearing before the Board of County Commissioners in December or January 2013.

Background

In addition Oakbrook has met with representatives of the adjacent Copperleaf and Lighthouse Bay communities, the Brooks Community Development Districts, and Estero Fire & Rescue. As a result of these meetings Oakbrook Properties through Ned Dewhirst has committed to hold a community meeting with all residents of both Copperleaf and Lighthouse Bay in addition to a holding general meeting for all Brooks residents when the development plans become more definite.  

The developer’s request proposes to eliminate the current zoning reservation for 150’ of ROW and additional acreage for the extension of Coconut Road east and an overpass of I-75 due to their removal from the MPO 2035 Traffic Plan.

Other requests include revisions to the Brooks Master Concept Plan (MCP), elimination of the mid-rise multifamily use, and the addition of up to 200 multifamily residential units.

When asked when these units might be constructed, Dewhirst responded that at present there is not a development schedule for these 38 acres

The Board’s of Lighthouse Bay, Copperleaf and the other Brooks communities will soon be considering resolutions in support of the developer’s request. The Spring Run community Board has already approved such a resolution.