Proposed Calusa Cay shopping center to be voted on at Dec. 1 GPICA meeting
To the Editor:
The developers of Calusa Cay will present their latest revised proposals at the Dec. 1 Greater Pine Island Civic Association meeting (7 p.m., Elks Lodge). Calusa Cay is a proposed shopping center to be built on Pine Island Road across from the Bank of America. Originally it was to include a Publix Supermarket (as well as several other smaller retail outlets). Publix dropped out, and the identity of the replacement supermarket that will eventually anchor the facility is not yet determined. The Pine Island Plan specifies this general area as the future commercial hub of Pine Island, and also requires that all commercial facilities be constructed in “Old Florida” style. This will be the third revised presentation of this proposal to the GPICA membership, and at each previous presentation, the developer worked hard to satisfy concerns offered by Pine Island residents.
Most Pine Islanders’ concerns at the two previous meetings related to whether the facility was “Old Florida” enough, as well as traffic, lighting and other aesthetics. Some residents opposed any development on Pine Island, while others welcomed another supermarket. Others accepted that there would be more commercial development at Pine Island Center, but wanted to make sure it is designed to fit Pine Island’s unique coastal rural character. Please attend the meeting, express your opinions and vote as you see fit. A summary of the residents’ opinions and votes will be presented by the GPICA to both the Hearing Examiner and the Lee County Commissioners when they make the final decisions on the project. Even if approved, the facility is not likely to be built for many years.
The Dec. 1 meeting will also include the annual Christmas gathering (drinks and snacks provided) as well as the annual election of the board of directors. Please attend and vote — it’s your island and your civic association.
Phil Buchanan
St. James City