New homes coming to Isles of Collier Preserve causing concerns

Now that the development has been approved, hundreds of homes are set to be built in the Isles of Collier Preserve area, off of US 41 near Rattlesnake Hammock. But many fear that this development could cause damage to the environment and add to traffic.

Collier County Commissioners approved a plan to build 230 more units in The Isles of Collier Preserve.

Steve Young lives at Isles of Collier Preserve. “All the people that I know that lives in Isles loves it. They don’t like it, they love it, they just want to preserve it. They want to have a quality of life,” said Yovanovich.

But Young is one resident who opposes the project. “Will the proposed change adversely affect the living conditions in the neighborhood? Unequivocally yes! And it negatively affects it,” Young said.

He isn’t the only one. Several other neighbors have come out and said they’re concerned about their safety, increased traffic and the environment.

Marc Rosenburg lives in the neighborhood too. “That will create an overcrowding situation that is intolerable!” said Rosenburg.

Tim Owens is another neighbor. “These safety concerns are real and they directly and adversely affect the living conditions of the neighborhood,” Owens said.

Some neighbors who live here can see the benefits. “We think it’s a win-win. HOA fees will actually decrease as it relates to shared common expenses with the addition of these 230 units.”

Minto believes they are the option to develop the property. “We are consistent with your comprehensive plan, we meet your requirements, and we should be approved according to your staff and according to the planning commission,” said Yovanovich. The Commissioners sided with Minto.

So that means people like Young will welcome more people to the neighborhood soon. “It’s just too many people in a small area,” he said.

The new units will be built on 102 acres in the Isles of Collier Preserve. The next steps are construction planning and road work development.