ENCA Newsletter

Usually I’m bubbling with news of good things happening or about to happen. With the downturn in our economy, the unfunded mandates coming from Tallahassee, the reduction of impact fees and revenues collected, there isn’t a lot of bright, happy news. The county workforce has been greatly reduced. We have cut back in hours of operation and programs at our libraries and parks, and I’m really concerned about what will happen when Amendment One kicks in.

*One of the special features we have in Collier County that makes us stand out among all other counties in Florida and around the country, is our median landscaping. No, we will not loose it, thank heavens, but it will be installed at a much slower speed. We will only do one road a year. In FY 2009 we will landscape Immokalee Rd. from I-75 to Collier Blvd. In FY 2010 Rattlesnake Hammock Rd., from Polly Ave. to Collier Blvd. will be landscaped. Vanderbilt Beach Rd. from Airport Rd. to Collier Blvd. will be landscaped in FY 2011, and then Collier Blvd. from Immokalee Rd. to Golden Gate Blvd. will receive landscaping in 2012, followed by Collier Blvd. from U.S.41 to Davis Blvd. in FY 2013. The blessing here is that we will at least have landscaping coming on board each year instead of loosing it altogether………unless we have further cutbacks and just can’t fund anymore landscaping.

*While we are on the subject of Collier Blvd., which is being widened to 6 lanes as I write, the County Transportation Dept. tells me when completed it will have curb and gutters and no other type of barrier, as has been rumored. The medians will be 20 ft. in most places and will have the stubbing in place for future irrigation and utilities.

*By the time you read this, Queen’s Park should finally have their fence installed along the new 60 ft wide canal, which was dug as part of the LASIP Project (Lely Area Stormwater Improvement Project). The county is also digging a lake in the Gateway Triangle area between U.S.41 and Davis Blvd.

*I have been asked what the large building being built on the grounds of the Government Complex will be used for. Two floors will be for the Clerk of Courts, who now is situated in many buildings and leased space. He will finally have his entire department in one building. Also, the finance department, the State Attorney’s office, and other Court related departments will occupy the building, which will clear space in the Courthouse for new courtrooms which will be used by the new judges.

*GREAT news! Lowe’s is finally coming to East Naples. They expect to start building in the next few weeks.

*More great news – Staples Office Supply expects to have their grand opening on May 1^st, if all goes well.

*You should begin to read shortly that possibly a Super Target is planning to come to East Naples. The developer is going through the zoning process presently, and won’t confirm for sure that it’s a Super Target. We have long awaited their entrance. Now we just have to make sure that what they build will be an attractive addition to the area. Right now the Planning Commission heard plans which call for the back of the building to be located 30 ft. from U.S.41, and climb 40 ft to 60 ft high. They say they will make the back look as pleasing as the front. This plan was rejected. Lots more talking has to be done. Although we really want to see them come to our community, we want their building to enhance the area and be an asset. It comes to the County Commission next. Stay tuned.