Backup Documents 10/13/2009 Item # 6AVIBRANT 2010
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GOLDEN GATE ESTATES AS A WORLD -
CLASS RURAL COMMUNITY.
By Mark Teaters
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VIBRANT 2010 6 A —CA
GOLDEN GATE ESTATES AS A WORLD -CLASS RURAL COMMUNITY.
By Mark Teaters
Foreword
Golden Gate Estates, long recognized as the largest subdivision in America has seen quiet times, then the
growth years, eventually giving way to today. The problems we are all facing are impacting communities
like the Estates especially hard, given the demographics and socio- economic statistics in such a large
community. The Estates has a high number of foreclosed homes that is still continues to grow. Many are
vacant, finding their way into the community caretaking initiative, eventually to be sold or auctioned to the
highest bidder. The infrastructure has not kept pace with growth, and there have been recent committees
formed to access the needs of the eastern Collier area toward build out. Many important questions were left
unanswered such as economic, commercial, cultural, and quality of life issues. The Estates, while being a
stakeholder in the future growth east of 951 is also a very unique community. There isn't another like it
anywhere. It's country flavor and rural lifestyle will be surrounded by new large developments and rural
villages in the future. The reality of today's situation is a downward spiral toward potential blight and
hopelessness that would certainly effect our Estates way of life unless we all get involved sooner rather
than later. Isn't it realistic and responsible to address today's challenges and hold to an optimistic vision
for the future? Many families are dealing with lost jobs, tumbling real estate values and tanked retirement
funds. While the bad news is valid reason for concern, there is every reason to believe that our economy
will recover, but there is no better time than the present to embark on this ambitious project to maintain and
enhance the rural character of our special community.
Vision for the future
Definition of World -Class (adj.) first, foremost, world -class ranking above all others
Why a world class rural community? Some would say it has never been done
unique opportunity to accomplish it.
What are some key attributes in a world class rural community?
1. Our unique community and lifestyle (way of life).
2. Inclusive culture – sense of community.
3. Homes that enhance the community.
4. Educational opportunities for young and old that are second to none.
5. Availability and local access to a full range of high quality healthcare.
6. A rich variety of arts, culture and leisure opportunities for all residents.
7. Strong Citizen leadership.
8. Effective public Safety – Law Enforcement, Fire, EMS
9. Strong partnership with local government.
10. Clean Community – Green leadership.
11. Economic development opportunities for small business.
12. Effective public transportation.
13. Effective transportation network – roads & trails.
14. Communication – technology.
15. Faith – an environment where all are valued and respected.
16. Community centers, libraries, parks.
17. Public /private partnerships.
18. Not for profit organizations - charities – volunteerism.
19. Wildlife and ecological preservation.
20. Effective Master Plan in place.
21. Special needs community friendly infrastructure.
I believe that we have a
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VIBRANT 2010
GOLDEN GATE ESTATES AS A WORLD -CLASS RURAL COMMUNITY.
A World Class Rural Community in the making?
Over the last few years, the Homeowners Association of Golden Gate Estates has been actively working
towards many of these goals: A unique partnership with Collier County Parks and Recreation to hold
regularly scheduled community events including Light up the Estates, Trunk or Treat, Easter Egg hunt, and
Estates Family fun day with ever growing attendance and strong community support. Many of our
members serve on boards and committees that have a positive impact on the community. Recent Golden
Gate Master plan members are involved as are several from the East of 951 Committee, the Golden Gate
Land Trust, and the Golden Gate Estates Task Force. Members are involved in small business rescue
programs, Charity Foundations, Rotary, and the Collier County Foreclosure Task Force.
Now the above list gets even shorter. The hard part remains, getting people involved in the process. Taking
it to the "next level'.
The Proposal
The Homeowners Association of Golden Gate Estates will enlist a panel of representatives from the groups
who can assist us with our task. For example: Collier County Public Schools, NCH and Physicians
Regional Medical Center, Collier County Board of County Commissioners, and many others.
HOAGGE would then sponsor a series of public workshops featuring a changing panel of speakers from
the different groups who would present information for discussion purposes. Committees and focus groups
would be created to facilitate research and development on major issues.
A questionnaire would be used at each of the meetings for input and to generate discussion from the
residents of Golden Gate Estates. A sample question could be - what do world -class communities have that
others do not? These meetings would be open forum style. The concept here is to provide a roadmap for the
future, using all information and tools available. The questionnaires and resident input along with any
significant trends will be reported to the BCC and all major stakeholder groups.
Our hope is to create a grass -roots community based effort bringing together key players, leaders with
diverse perspectives from all walks of life. Partner this with leaders from government, school, business,
religious, environmental /wildlife that should enhance communication, encourage public participation and
create cooperative partnerships.
The result is a focused community effort to envision and determine the physical and aesthetic
characteristics of life and the amenities that should exist in the special place we call Golden Gate Estates.
Respectfully submitted for your consideration,
Mark Teaters
Advisory Council, HOAGGE
RE: ESTATES Page 1 of l
6VCR
From: John Barlow <johnbarlow @lerivage.net>
To: mteaters @aol.com
Cc: jbarlow @lerivage.net
Subject: RE: ESTATES
Date: Sun, Sep 27, 2009 7:30 pm
Hi Mark,
I have read your white paper several times. I am positively struck by your commitment to
making Golden Gate Estates better. Your objectives are noble and worthwhile. I think
forming a group to think through the "action plan" is the right way to go. A lot of people
are going to have to think through how to get plans done and solicit commitments to
make these goals happen. It will ultimately require Organization and Money, but a group
of committee homeowners are hard to beat.
If I can help you in any way, please let me know,
Thank you, and good thinking
John
John F. Barlow
4351 Gulf Shore Blvd. North
Residence 19N, Le Rivage
Naples, FL 34103
Telephone: 239 - 649 -6380
Facsimile: 239 - 649 -6378
Cell: 239 - 250 -9101
From: mteaters@aol.com [mailto:mteaters @aol.com]
Sent: Sunday, September 27, 2009 6:38 PM
To: jali barlow@leriva e.net
Subject: ESTATES
John,
Good to see you last week. Just wondering what you thought of the paper I e- mailed you last week. I am
taking it before the BCC on tuesday and I value your opinion.
Regards,
Mark Teaters
httn• / /wehmail.aol.com /28200 /aol /en -us /mail /PrintMessal?e.aspx 9/27/2009