ESTERO, Fla.- The battle between developers and people already living in Estero over a controversial development proposal has entered a new chapter, with the developer expected scale back plans for a mixed-use space called Estero Crossing.
Stock Development wants to develop 43 acres for living communities and retail space along Corkscrew Road between I-75 and Three Oaks Parkway, but neighbors say the area is already too congested.
"They're asking for the highest possible density code that's in the state plan," said resident Bill Savage, who lives in the Island Club community, which would abut the proposed Estero Crossing. "That's totally unacceptable."
Savage joined others protesting along Corkscrew Road in opposition to the plan, saying it would bring too many problems with noise, traffic, and environmental impacts.
But Estero Councilman Jim Boesch said that with big companies like Hertz moving to town, Estero needs more hosing options and stores.
"The younger people want what this community is presenting," Boesch said during a break at Wednesday's council meeting. "Rental facilities, walkable communities, small retail stores where they can go get their coffee and so forth - this will be perfect to solve that problem."
Estero's communications director said Stock Development will make adjustments to their proposal, and that the revisions are expected to be more accommodating to residents' concerns.
