Lee County indefinitely postponed changes to its Lee Plan growth guide after residents objected to a proposal that could let developers alter parts of it without public hearings. Commissioners told staff to slow revisions and broaden outreach before bringing the proposal back.
At an Aug. 25 meeting in North Fort Myers, residents laughed as planners called the revisions a way to streamline the process. Bokeelia resident Nadine Slimak helped form the Lee Communities Coalition in two business days and a weekend, according to activist Sue Dahod; the group united countywide advocates and filled another advisory meeting.
Lee County has 17 community plans intended to preserve the character of places including Pine Island, Alva and North Fort Myers. Former county smart-growth coordinator Wayne Daltry said public participation is crucial in land-use decisions affecting traffic and property values. Growth can also add pressure to roads, water and sewer systems and raise risks during major storms; many Southwest Florida residents are still rebuilding after Hurricane Ian.
