What issues do you believe are most important to productive and beneficial growth of the Greater Pine Island community?

Seven years ago when Lee County evaluated and updated its comprehensive plan, Pine Island residents were concerned about the balance among growth, the environment and agriculture. Traffic on narrow access roads to the island, Old Florida architectural standards, and preservation of wildlife and native vegetation were important issues they wanted to address in the Lee Plan. Does that plan adequately address those major issues? Are those issues still important to the community? What changes do you envision to better direct the development of Lee County through comprehensive planning?

If you have answers to those questions, or questions of your own, consider attending a public workshop Wednesday, April 21, from 5 to 7 p.m. at the Pine Island Public Library, 10700 Russell Road NW, Bokeelia.

Lee County is updating its Comprehensive Plan, the Lee Plan, to determine and then employ the community’s vision of what Lee County should and will look like through the 2035 planning horizon. One of the goals of this process is to create a clearer distinction between the County’s emerging urban areas and the various rural communities. This revised 21st century planning document is intended to help create sustainable, self-sufficient communities.

This update to the Lee Plan will coincide with the Evaluation and Appraisal Report (EAR) process, which is required by the state every seven years.

“We are holding workshops throughout Lee County to encourage public participation in the process,” said Paul O’Connor, Director of the Lee County Division of Planning. “The EAR offers an ideal time for residents to speak up about their ideas and concerns regarding growth and development in unincorporated Lee County.”

“The goal of this process is to improve the Lee Plan through additional research and policy changes to make sure that plan will produce the anticipated results and address relevant issues,” O’Connor said. “This assessment occurs only once every seven years, so please don’t miss this important opportunity to participate in one or more of the workshops.”

Workshops

Thursday, April 15, 5-7 p.m.

Lee County Community

Development/Public Works Building

1500 Monroe St., Fort Myers

Tuesday, April 20, 5-7 p.m.

Riverdale Branch Library

14561 State Road 80

Fort Myers Shores

Wednesday, April 21, 5-7 p.m.

Pine Island Public Library

10700 Russell Road NW, Bokeelia

Tuesday, April 27, 5-7 p.m.

North Fort Myers Public Library

2001 N. Tamiami Trail NE

North Fort Myers

Wednesday, April 28, 5-7 p.m.

South County Regional Library

21100 Three Oaks Parkway, Estero

Tuesday, May 4, 5-7 p.m.

Lakes Regional Library

15290 Bass Road, South Fort Myers

Wednesday, May 5, 5-7 p.m.

East County Regional Library

881 Gunnery Road, Lehigh Acres

Tuesday, May 11, 10 a.m. – noon

Boca Grande Community Center

131 First Street West, Boca Grande

Thursday, May 13, 10 a.m. – noon

Captiva Civic Association

11550 Chapin Lane

Captiva