The meeting started with Board members selecting Michael Sheeley to serve as vice-chair of the Board.

Public Information Meeting

Capital Improvement Program

Public Works Director David Willems described how the Capital Improvement Program will set funding for the Village Capital Improvement projects for Fiscal Year 2026-2027 and provide a plan of priorities for the next 5 years. Willems provided detailed information on the various ongoing projects.

Public comment: one resident thanked the Board for their work. One resident spoke of flooding concerns.

No voting occurs during public information meetings.

Public Hearing

Eco-Historic Planning Study 

Koreshan State Park

Village consultants Phillip Bryant and Anie Delgato presented an overview of the Eco-Historic Planning Study prepared by Land Design Inc.

The Village received a Community Development Block Grant–Disaster Recovery (CDBG-DR) to fund this study. The study area encompassed approximately 1,000 acres, including properties along US 41 from Estero Parkway to south of Williams Road, as well as the Koreshan State Park and Village-owned property along the Estero River.

Estero residents contributed to this planning effort by participating in an online survey and two community meeting/ open house events. Online respondents indicated environmental stewardship should guide the study. People want walkable destinations rather than car-oriented commercial strips. Many said traffic and congestion is a major challenge.

The resulting recommendations are organized into four focus areas: Connectivity & Transportation; Environmental Systems; Parks, Trails & Open Space, and Economic Opportunities & Community.

Public comment: four residents spoke stating the Happehatchee Center should be highlighted in this study, and the north side of Estero River property should be preserved as part of the park rather than designated for development.

The Board voted to recommend Council accept this report, including adding the importance of the Happehatchee Center.

Residents may view the archived meeting by going to the Village website https://estero-fl.gov/agendas/

The next Planning Zoning & Design Board meeting will start at 4:30 p.m., Tuesday, July 21, 2026.