Punta Gorda residents fired up over proposed resort plans

PUNTA GORDA, Fla.- Plans to build a new resort and condominiums in Punta Gorda Isles along Aqui Esta Drive are receiving backlash from those who live nearby.

“I am really against it, totally against it, I love our little community. I’ve been here for 16 years almost and I can’t see how that will fit in at all,” said Peggy Jensen.

“Kind of concerned it’s going to change the way we live,” Nancy Kahley agreed.

A developer is attempting to rezone a wooded area to build the commercial development. Neighbors say the plans, which also include a spa, retail space and a hotel, would add too much noise and commotion to the area.

“We like it like it is and I think any high rise and any busy, busy type of community down there would make it… not like Punta Gorda,” said John Karaybill.

The 106 acres of land are also waterfront, enabling the possibility of building a marina.

“I have a beautiful view across. All I look at are mangroves,” Kahley added. “It would put other things in my view that aren’t there now.”

Neighbors are also worried about the traffic a new hotel would bring.

“I bicycle, so any more traffic makes it a little more congested for me and other bicycles,” Karaybill said.

The plans for the development are scheduled to go before city leaders within the next couple of months.