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Estero to consider new development

Posted 3:25 AM, Jun 21, 2016
and last updated 3:28 AM, Jun 21, 2016

ESTERO, Fla. -- The Village of Estero's planning and zoning commission is expected to hear whether a new condominium projectshould go forward.

"Genova" would be located at the corner of Corkscrew Road and Via Coconut. However, some feel the project will add to the area's traffic woes.

"You could equate it to a river, as it's coming down the mountain, all the tributaries feed into it," said Bill Savage, who lives in the Island Club, a couple miles from where the condos would be located.

Savage is also opposing another development closer to where he lives because he says anything built along Corkscrew Road will cause abottleneck at the I-75 interchange.

"The road should be widened to 6 lanes, at least from US 41, all the way to Ben Hill Griffin."

Savage says he was told by village officials any work to the road would have to be done by the county.

Last month, developers told the village, Corkscrew could handle the traffic generated by the project.

Proponents say demand for housing in Estero is on the rise, with companies like Hertz moving into town.

They also claim the project itself will create jobs.

"It will create 36 million dollars in local employment," said developer Jim Wallace.

Estero Spokesperson Marilyn Edwards says the village has a long term plan to connect some of these developments with walkways, so residents can walk to and from Coconut Point mall.

"Which I think is great, but America is a car society,people are lazy," said Savage.

If the planning commission approves the condominium project at its meeting tomorrow, it still has to clear the village council before any dirt is turned.