Learn about why Proton Therapy can provide an important alternative to traditional radiation treatment. This form of treatment which was only available in other parts of the USA now means that residents will have this form of treatment on their doorstep.
Engage Estero Safety Council is made of volunteers serving as a voice for the citizens of greater Estero on safety and transportation priorities and issues. We advocate for related solutions to Village, County, and State Government organizations.
Road Safety in Greater Estero By Contributing Author, Mark Novitski, and Engage Estero Consultant. Everyone has their definition of what determines road safety or, conversely, what makes our roads unsafe. In writing extensively about Corkscrew Road, I have...
Clerk of the Circuit Court & Comprtroller Kevin Karnes is now offering an alert notification system for Lee County property owners to reduce fraud. When you sign-up, if a deed, mortgage, or other non-Court official record is recorded in your name, you will be...
Engage Estero Environment Council is a volunteer group focusing on improving water and air quality and mitigating and eliminating the effects of climate warming in greater Estero.
During the weekend of April 6th, Engage Estero’s team of volunteers, organized by Julie Yellig, collected 360 pounds of bagged litter. A total of 2.2 tons of litter has been collected since the end of April 2023 (the end of last season), and an astonishing 10 tons...
by Mark Novitski, Consultant to Engage Estero. Mia McCormick, Advocate, Environment Florida, identifies why we need wildlife crossings: “Each year, animals at risk of extinction die when cars and creatures collide on Florida roadways. It is the number one cause of...
Engage Estero Community Health Council comprises health* and safety-minded volunteers who think about community health comprehensively with a common desire to improve the overall health of the citizens of greater Estero.
https://www.esterotoday.com/event/may2024/ RSVP
The facts Sudden Cardiac Arrest (SCA) is the leading cause of death in the United States, claiming more than 300,000 lives annually. Approximately 95 percent of SCA victims die before they reach a hospital or receive medical attention. How Can We Help Reduce This...
Engage Estero mobilizes volunteers in our schools, sponsors scholarships, and promotes the involvement of the community through announcements and public forums.
By Mike Wasson, Director, Engage Estero The Village of Estero Council issued a Proclamation its Meeting on Wednesday, March 6th honoring 39 Estero High School Students who were presented the Cambridge Outstanding Learners Awards. In his remarks, Jon McLain, Village of...
The Future Plans for our Schools and Students' Education in Greater EsteroBrought to you by the Engage Estero Education Councilby Mark Novitski, Consultant to Engage EsteroPrincipal Leslie Gunderson in her office at Pinewoods Elementary School behind a table full of...
Engage Estero believes the best way to get a community involved is to make sure they are aware of the issues impacting their future, and know how to impact those decisions before they are made. We conduct and publish original research and articles aimed at getting residents Engaged.
Most people believe “Growth should pay for Growth.” In SW Florida, specifically Lee County, new development should pay for the infrastructure to support the new development.
by Mark Novitski, contributing author
Webster defines infrastructure as “the system of public works of a country, state, or region. Also, the resources (such as personnel, buildings, or equipment) required for an activity. To clarify, Infra- means “below,” so the infrastructure is the “underlying structure” of a country and its economy, the fixed installations it needs to function. These include roads, bridges, dams, water and sewer systems, railways and subways, airports, and harbors. These are generally government-built and publicly owned.”
2021 Florida Statutes, Impact fees 163.31801, (3)(a) defines infrastructure as “a fixed capital expenditure or fixed capital outlay, excluding the cost of repairs or maintenance, associated with the construction, reconstruction, or improvement of public facilities that have a life expectancy of at least five years; related land acquisition, land improvement, design, engineering, and permitting costs; and other related construction costs required to bring the public facility into service.” https://www.flsenate.gov/laws/statutes/2021/163.31801
This article will categorize infrastructure as follows:
The developer builds and funds roads (private) within the new development. The roads (private) within the development are maintained by the developer, Homeowners Association (HOA), or Community Development District (CDD).
Public road widening, expansion, and updating are paid for by the municipality from gas taxes (which are flat and projected to decrease with more electric vehicles), proportionate share (negotiated for each new development, with restrictions, and must be used in the general area), impact fees (restrictions and must be used in the general area), the general fund, capital funds, and unused tolls.
Four impact fees are collected when the building permit is submitted. Interestingly, expected/anticipated impact fees cannot be bonded. The result is the development build-out is way ahead of the infrastructure build-out, specifically roads and schools.
The Lee County current impact fee schedule can be reviewed online.
*Corrected on Nov. 17. General funds are not used as incorrectly stated originally.
Fire Control District impact fees are 100% for Bonita Springs Fire Rescue, Estero Fire Rescue, and San Carlos Park Fire Rescue within the municipality and in unincorporated Lee County.
Road impact fees in the Village of Estero and Bonita Springs are 100%.
Corkscrew Road (Lee County Road 850) east is a perfect example of development buildout before road infrastructure—currently, Corkscrew Road phase I is scheduled for completion sometime in 2024. Phase II (east boundary of Bella Terra to Alico Road) will start later this year. Phase III (Alico Road to the east entrance of Verdana) is in the Lee County Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) and Lee County Department of Transportation (LDOT) out-year plans. https://leempo.com/ Phase IV (Verdana to the Collier County line [for Kingston]) is in the concept stage.
There are challenges in collecting and using road impact fees when multiple jurisdictions are involved. Coconut Road West is the perfect example. The Village of Estero owns and is responsible for most of the road. The high-rise construction in that area is within the city limits of Bonita Springs and unincorporated Lee County. This results in the road impact fees being collected by Bonita Springs and unincorporated Lee County, leaving Estero to fund the Coconut Road widening/expansion/updating.
If you have concerns about Lee County roads, Village of Estero roads, or cost-sharing of road improvements, contact your Lee County Commissioner, Village of Estero Council Member, and Bonita City Council.
Corkscrew Road: Cecil Pendergrass, dist2@leegov.com
Coconut Road: Joanne Ribble, jribble@estero-fl.gov
Rick Steinmeyer, rick.steinmeyer@cityofbonitasprings.org
Engage Estero is an all-volunteer, nonpolitical, nonprofit Community Engagement Association. We exist to inform citizens of significant community issues and encourage citizen engagement to favorably impact the quality of life in greater Estero.
