The Village recently conducted the final public meeting for residents to provide feedback regarding their priorities for the future of the 62-acre Estero on the River property.
Susana Gonzales with Canin Associates described the south and north sides of the river as having two very different characteristics, stating the 16 acres on the south side is green with a mature forest appropriate for nature and civic uses but the north side of the river is an abandoned orange grove with little to no environmental value.
Gonzales then presented a number of slides with proposed uses extending from nature and the river to Village Center, residential and architecture and asked that residents rate them on the survey from 1 to 10, with 10 being the most appropriate.
Public Comment: Three residents who were in the Village Hall spoke regarding their concerns about the health of the Estero River, stating Estero does not need more commercial or residential areas and that the emphasis should be on green space and nature. One resident stated that Freedom Park in Naples should serve as an example for use of the Estero on the River property. Eleven eComment cards were read into the record with suggestions ranging from adding a river walk, an amphitheater, walking and bike paths along with benches, connecting the property to Koreshan State Park, and adding a botanical garden on the northern property.
Gonzales stated that the results of the surveys and public comment will all be taken into account before they come back for the next phase of this study.
The 62-acre Estero on the River property is the land that faces the northeast corner of Corkscrew Road and US 41, encompasses a ¼ mile frontage of Estero River, and extends north to Judith Lane and east to the railroad tracks.
You may view the video of this meeting here https://estero-fl.gov/agendas/.
You have until October 14 to offer your input.