Neighbors battle Collier County over construction on scenic nearby land

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Scenic trail that may be destroyed. (WINK News photo)
Scenic trail that may be destroyed. (WINK News photo)

One community is bracing for a renewed battle with Collier County. It is a fight that has been going on for years and neighbors want it to be resolved in their best interest.

With a calm stream of water and serene green landscape, people who walk around it, such as John Horenci, call it an oasis. But that could soon change.

“I really think this plan is a disaster for our community and for many of the same similar communities along whippoorwill,” Horenci said.

Collier County and the Florida Department of Transportation want to initiate road construction through the beloved area.

“We believe that building this road is going to really affect very negatively the quality of life of anybody and everybody within a few hundred-yard area,” said Joe Rodriguez, a neighbor.

Collier County conducted studies that found it is time to keep up with the influx of people and traffic. Penny Taylor, a county commissioner in District 4, said what will come will be an improvement.

“A staff that was receptive and really worked hard to make it the best plan,” Taylor said. “No one’s going to get rid of the nature. It’s going to be more beautiful and safer to walk.”

But still, conservation of this land as a whole is on the public’s mind.

“They’re eliminating just a lot of aesthetic value of the community for all the people who live here,” Rodriguez said.

Neighbors said they plan to attend a County Commissioners Meeting on April 9 to continue to oppose the project.

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