GPICA hears update on Calusa K shopping center project
The proposed Calusa K shopping center, which is located across from Bank of America, was discussed during the Greater Pine Island Civic Association meeting last week.
John Agnelli, senior vice president of Power Corporation, said the shopping center is still anchored by a supermarket and inland stores for the property.
“The market is starting to come back,” he said, adding that they are receiving interest in the process.
Agnelli said there are a couple of supermarkets that are interested in the property, which have asked to remain anonymous. Publix, however, he said, was taken off the table a couple of years ago.
The project began four years ago and the plans have since been refined and redesigned.
Agnelli said there is a long list of permitted uses that will be allowed for the shopping center, but they have not reached that point in the process yet.
“Still a ways away from preleasing,” he said.
Right now, Agnelli said, they have to get the zoning in place before they can proceed.
“We are probably a couple months away from going in front of the hearing examiner,” he said. “We are working with staff and taking their direction. We hope to go in front of the hearing examiner sometime in April. Take it one step at a time.”
Agnelli shared with the crowd that everything on the property has been moved and compacted. He said they refined the design, as well as the impact on wetlands.
There is more open space in the new design, which includes 13 acres of lakes, preserves or planting areas. Those changes are some of the key alterations that have occurred in the last three to four years.