Bonita Springs committee meets to discuss future city development

With a building boom in Southwest Florida, more people are moving here, and they need a place to live. People living in Bonita springs are happy to see growth and new additions near them, but they also don’t want construction to forfeit the city’s identity in the process.

The City of Bonita Springs Sub-Committee of the Board for Land Use Hearings & Adjustments and Zoning Board of Appeals met Thursday to address new developments in the city.

“Which is becoming a beautiful corridor with the roundabouts, and we certainly have other projects around town,” Bonita Springs Mayor Peter Simmons said. “But we’re very excited, but we’re dedicated to see old 41 shine brighter than ever.”

This year alone, the city is looking to add new apartment complexes as well as a new library near Old US 41. They’re also considering adding bike paths and pedestrian lanes as well as ways to modernize buildings keeping the Mediterranean feel they’re known for.

“Members of the city council, including myself, are really dedicated to the bike paths with Estero — the City of Estero,” Simmons said. “Linking up with the City of Estero along the railroad tracks, making best use of that land for bikers and outdoor enthusiasts.”

With the amount of new developments, homeowners fear their taxes could go up.

“I’m also afraid that the taxes are going to start going up because were getting so much in need of services,” Richard Segal.

Simmons said money reimbursed from FEMA could cover costs for proposed new developments.

“The environmental concerns, certainly Hurricane Irma, cause some issues that we’re working through it,” Simmons said. “We’re working with FEMA to get repaid. We’re not increasing taxes. So, we’re doing all this while keeping taxes the same.”