Matlacha Civic to discuss overlay plan Oct. 19
The Matlacha Residential Overlay Plan draft was submitted to Lee County staff for review in August and will be presented to the residents for discussion at the Matlacha Civic Association meeting, Tuesday, Oct. 19, 6 p.m. in the Pine Island Art Association building on the left in Matlacha Park. Greg Stuart of Stuart Urban Design will present highlights of the plan with illustrations. All Matlacha residents are urged to attend and civic association membership is not required.
A flyer alerting residents whose homes will be covered by the plan is being distributed in the Overlay area which includes homes west of the Matlacha Bridge that are outside of the Historic District which has its own set of guidelines.
The committee’s Mission Statement is: To protect and improve the historical character and unique island village ambiance of the Matlacha community. The Matlacha Civic Association is to oversee the conceptualization and creation of a new regulatory approach to address the Mega-home problem based upon a thorough review and approval by the island residents and the civic association members. The goal of this approach is: 1.) To do so without undue restrictions or exorbitant costs to property owners; 2.) To make sure that the rules are flexible enough so as to ensure protection for property owners while protecting property rights and community values; 3.) To create and implement effective rules to reduce Mega-home impacts to the island community; and 4.) To ensure that future residential growth and redevelopment will not negatively impact Matlacha’s community character and sense of place.
The Design Overlay is aimed at minimizing the negative effects of new, larger homes that tend to block views, hamper air-flow, create fire/safety access concerns, cause water/drainage issues, and generally diminish the island’s community character.
The Residential Overlay Committee hopes this draft of the plan will be endorsed by residents and then begin the lengthy process of review by multiple county advisory boards. Plan changes will occur during this process to meet county requirements or address oversights, but the final intent of the Plan should remain the same. The Plan will be finalized at a hearing before the county commissioners, and residents may make comments and suggestions at any point along the way.
Matlacha will still remain part of the Greater Pine Island Community Plan. These changes will be inserted into the Land Development Codes (LDC) for builders, architects, and homeowners to apply.
We are seeking community input/suggestions from all residents and will incorporate changes/improvements now, before the review process begins.
For further information contact Bill Stoelker, President, Matlacha Civic 282-9540; Kathy Malone, 283-3762; Nancy Harwood, 283-0840; Gail Barone, 282-2597; Pam Bristol, 282-8818; Bill McKee, 283-8159; Bob McKnight, 283-7662; Jackie Reichert, 283-6440; Melady Kehm, 282-1219