Proposed Naples high-rise receives backlash from residents

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NORTH NAPLES, Fla. Dozens of residents argued about what to do with the land next to one of Southwest Florida’s most popular beaches at the One Naples open house Wednesday night.

Stock Development, a Naples-based real estate company, is proposing to build a 21-story high-rise on the corner of Vanderbilt Beach Road and Gulf Shore Drive. The developments would include shops, restaurants, a 75-slip marina and 300 condos worth up to $10 million.

Although the project looks good on paper, not all Vanderbilt residents are impressed.

“It’s going to cause deaths and accidents,” resident Jacqueline Bammel said. “It is going to be dangerous for the children, especially who are going across Gulf Shore Drive who are going to the beach.”

However, Stock Development representatives strongly disagree, saying that building a residential development rather than retail — which is what the area is currently zoned for– will create 55 percent less traffic.

“That corner has been vacant for a long time and we’re trying to propose something that is a benefit and improvement to the corner,” said Keith Gelder, vice president for land at Stock Development.

The company would need to have their zoning amendment changed from commercial to residential before construction begins, a process that could take up to a year.

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