Public Hearing
Downtown Estero infrastructure Development Order
The Board reviewed the development order for this project located on the east side of US 41 north of Broadway and east of the Broadway Shoppes. This development order is only for the infrastructure of the site including roads, parking, stormwater collection/detention, landscaping, and utilities.
The overall Downtown Estero project consists of 310 multiple-family units, and approximately 30,000 square feet of commercial uses. Proposed future construction of 300 multi-family (market rate rental apartments) in 3-4 story buildings. Two buildings will be mixed-use with 5,000 square feet of non-residential uses, and the third building will house the community amenities in this space.
The project will include public spaces including a public park, internal gathering area, walking trails and other private amenities. There are also 10 townhomes planned and two future commercial lots.
Public comment: 1 eComment card was placed in the record; seven residents expressed concerns regarding traffic, security and wildlife.
The Board voted to approve this application with the addition of a fence along with the proposed hedge row between Cypress Bend and Downtown Estero.
Downtown Estero residential Development Order
The applicant was asking for approval of a development order for the construction of 300 multi-family (market rate rental apartments) in 3-4 story buildings. Two buildings will be mixed-use with 5,000 square feet of non-residential uses, and the third building will house the community amenities in this space. The architecture in the community is Mediterranean Revival. The paint colors for the buildings will be two shades of beige, with trim paint in two shades of brown, mannered gold on the soffits, and the roofs will be terra cotta blend concrete barrel tiles.
This phase of the project will include public spaces including a pocket park in the center of the community, pool, walking trails, two pickleball courts, and other private amenities. All these improvements will be along Estero Village Way which will be constructed as a part of Downtown Estero Infrastructure.
Public Comment: 2 residents spoke; one with concerns about light pollution and one against this type of mixed-use development on this site.
The Board voted to approve this application.
Williams Road rezoning
The Village Council has initiated a rezoning of Village-owned property on the north side of Williams Road, east of Via Coconut Point and the railroad right-of-way. The property is approximately 19.3 acres. The current zoning is Commercial Planned Development (CPD) and Agriculture (AG) and the proposed rezoning would be to Estero Planned Development (EPD) with deviations.
The proposed zoning is consistent with the anticipated indoor and outdoor sports related recreation and entertainment uses envisioned for the property.
Village consultant Michael Comparato and staff have reviewed the four unsolicited proposals received by the Village from: High 5 Entertainment, Chicken n Pickle, Pickle & Social, and Crystal Lagoons. The existing driving range also could be incorporated into one of the plans.
Focus group meetings and a community meeting have been held to solicit input from Estero residents on what recreational uses they would like to see at this property.
Public comment: A resident stated there should be a plan in existence before asking for a change in zoning. Another resident stated the property should include some recreation that would be free to residents.
The Board voted to recommend Council approve this rezoning with deviations and the conceptual site plan, and without a hotel.
Annual Project Review
Community Development Director Mary Gibbs gave the Board an update on development projects in Estero.
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 be held at 4:30 p.m., May 9, 2023.