Lee County residents dispute proposed location for wastewater treatment facilities

Reporter: Stephanie Byrne
Published: Updated:
Proposed location for wastewater treatment facility. Photo via WINK News

A neighborhood battle is brewing over what could be two waste water treatment facilities in Lee County, near Alico Road and south of Southwest Florida International Airport.

If local leaders approve a new project, neighbors who live to the east side of Alico Road worry about the proposed site of both the wastewater treatment plant, and solid waste transfer facility.

The site off of Green Meadow Road was once protected through the Conservation 2020 program, but now the county says it needs the site to meet demands of a growing area.

The idea to use this land is not coming without growing frustration from those who live there.

Concerns include public safety, says one resident who lives in the area of the proposed site.

“No room whatsoever, for vehicles to move through, for emergency vehicles to get through,” Amber Todd said. Naples residents also fear for the wildlife in the area.

Neighbors have also expressed concerns with what they call a lack of transparency from those involved through the design process. The county disputes this though.

Lee County continues to work through the design process for these two facilities. The next zoning hearing will continue on August 13.

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