Vision unclear for downtown Estero development

ESTERO, Fla.- Members of Estero’s Village Council are concerned that developers’ plans for the downtown area clash with their vision for the future of the village.

Estero Vice Mayor Howard Levitan says the council would like to see a
“compact, walkable, interconnected neighborhood of shops and restaurants and higher density residences.”

Yet developers don’t agree with that vision, with some wanting to use the land available for more gated communities.

Levitan says the village already has 37 gated neighborhoods and downtown planning surveys show the public wants an urban-type downtown for pedestrians.

“How do we get a sense of community? How do we develop Estero as a village of one community? We can’t do that necessarily with gated communities,” Levitan said.

The vice mayor adds in order for Estero to attract younger residents, who are working for companies like Hertz, the village has to offer more than the gated communities.

“They want to go to work in Estero but if they have to go elsewhere to live? It’s not going to work,” Levitan said.

The council is suggesting more meetings with residents to get additional input. Village leaders are also offering financial incentives to developers who can fit the council’s vision of downtown Estero.