Final two hearings
To the editor:
The Matlacha Overlay Plan comes before the Lee County Board of County Commissioners for final approval at two public hearings. If approved, the overlay will become part of the Lee County Comprehensive Plan. Both hearings will take place in the commission chambers in the old Lee County courthouse commission chambers, Fort Myers on Dec. 13, at 5:05 p.m. and Jan. 10, 2012 at 9:30 a.m. Public input is welcome.
The Plan committee of 10 residents began this process in 2005 and has been polishing and improving the document through discussions, handouts, and input from residents gathered at Matlacha Civic Association meetings on a continuous basis. Multiple review meetings were held with county staff.
The required three county citizen advisory board reviews took place this summer and compliments on both quality and content were received.
Committee members are confident the Plan will allow for creativity and flexibility while still protecting near neighbors from being overshadowed by huge homes. The intent of the Plan is to clarify regulations for those wishing to remodel/rebuild without requiring variances for those most commonly requested and usually granted by the county. The variance process is expensive and time consuming without a guaranteed outcome. The Plan should reduce or eliminate this expense and shorten the time it takes to start construction. All residents will have a better understanding of what can take place when surrounding properties remodel.
The community voted overwhelming (91.23%) support for the plan in November, 2010 at a well-attended civic association meeting. Please continue that support by attending these important final hearings. Contact Kathy Malone, 239-283-3762 if you need further information.
Kathy Malone