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<\/p>\nAt the December 10 BCC meeting, Commissioners unanimously voted to approve the development of an additional 750-unit residential complex at Fiddler\u2019s Creek Section 29. This project approval came from the authorization to amend three ordinances, including (1) the Collier County Growth Management Plan, specifically amending the Future Land Use Element and map series by adding the Fiddler\u2019s Creek Section 29 Development Area; (2) the Marco Shores\/Fiddler\u2019s Creek Planned Unit Development (PUD) ordinances to increase the number of dwelling units from 6,000 to 6,750 to accommodate the proposed 750 multi-family units; and (3) the Marco Shores\/Fiddler\u2019s Creek Development of Regional Impact (DRI) to limit the additional 750 multi-family dwelling units to Section 29 only.<\/p>\n
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Prior to the public hearing at the BCC Meeting, which was attended by over 30 residents, experts, organizations, and several representatives of the applicant developer, the Collier County Planning Commission had recommended denying the proposal after a 3-day discussion. They cited several issues regarding the property, such as traffic density, wildlife preservation (since the area is near the Panther habitat zone), and stormwater management. These concerns were also raised and supported by residents living in and near Fiddler\u2019s Creek, who shared anecdotes of their experiences during the recent hurricanes.<\/p>\n
A bit of controversy arose when the BCC changed what had been a long-standing practice of speakers ceding time to others for additional points to be made.\u00a0 The developer representative raised the issue that the long-standing practice did not seem to be part of the documented process.\u00a0 This created several issues for those planning to speak against the project.<\/p>\n
Naples Comprehensive Health (NCH) and the Greater Naples Chamber organizations expressed support for the project due to the developer\u2019s commitment to set aside 30% or 225 of the 750 units for affordable workforce housing. According to the proposed plan, 15% will be set aside for households whose incomes are less than 80% of the Area Median Income (AMI) and another 15% for households whose incomes are between 81% and 100% of the AMI. The Board highlighted that this is the highest number of units committed by a private developer for workforce housing to help address the housing affordability needs of low and median-income residents in Collier County. Years ago (post 2010), NCH gave up housing that had been available for nursing staff.<\/p>\n
The applicant has committed to providing sidewalks, improved drainage culverts, and extended water\/wastewater utilities along Auto Ranch Road. They have also committed to providing a Collier Area Transit (CAT) bus stop and bike rack. These were identified as public benefits. Commissioner LoCastro insisted that the applicant prioritize the 15ft wide drainage easement to allow residents to install pipes and to replace the access road with culverts underneath to allow water to flow and not get backed up during hurricane season. The applicant agreed to satisfy these commitments once they acquire all the necessary permits for the project. Several residents of the area did not feel the improvements were of sufficient benefit to warrant the added traffic and loss of environmental areas.<\/p>\n
While this project received BCC approval, it will still require various state and federal permits before they will be able to build. The community\u2019s concerns are understandable as this project, and the amendment of multiple ordinances to accommodate it, may set precedence for other developments.<\/p>\n