During the Community and Member Monthly Meeting held at the Recreational Center on Jan 25^th, Tony Carangelo, Engage Estero’s Chief Research Officer, spoke about this important topic as Estero continues to develop and grow. Tony first pointed out that in the conclusion of the Village’s Planning, Zoning, and Design Board’s (PZBDB) meeting on January 24^th, the Village code states that developments should:

• Make a significant difference.
• Result in high-quality projects.
• Retain the Village character.

However, there is no mention of the character or overall image Estero attempts to convey to visitors and residents. However, the Village’s Comprehensive Plan from 2015 does mention the “Sense of Place.”

Under” Future Land Use,” the wording is:

Promote the development of Estero as a community with a unique quality of life, distinct character, and diverse housing, economic, recreational, and social opportunities by protecting the natural resources, environment, and lifestyle: establishing aesthetic and design requirements, managing the type, location, quality, design, density, and intensity of future land uses: providing opportunities for public participation in the land development approval process and promoting a true sense of place.   

It raises the question of whether this is being addressed. If so, what is it, and what does the Council and Management aim to promote as Estero’s “Brand Image?” How do they want Estero positioned in the minds of its citizens and visitors? What do they want people to think about when they think of Estero?

For example, sense of place refers to the emotive bonds and attachments people develop or experience in particular locations and environments at scales ranging from the home to the nation. A sense of place also describes specific localities and regions’ distinctiveness or unique character.

On the other hand, if one Googles Estero, what emerges is a very factual summary.

“Sandwiched along Florida’s Gulf Coast between Naples to the south and Fort Myers to the north, Estero is known as a popular destination for both high-end shopping and for exploring history and wildlife at its two state parks: Mound Key Archaeological State Park, which is only attainable by boat, canoe, or kayak and the Koreshan State Historic Site.”

Is this the “Sense of Place” we wish to portray? When Tony asked the audience what they felt about this, several agreed that Estero didn’t have a brand that helped to identify how Estero differed from other communities and what aspects would attract people to visit, live, and work. A suggestion was for Estero to emphasize its focus on “Wellness” and improving “Longevity.”

During the October 2023 Engage Estero Public Forum that focused on “The Future of Estero,” Jim Wallace, Key Principle of Genova Realty LLC, indicated that that given the significance to the community of the many developments being contemplated, it might be worthwhile considering a “visionary planning expert” to “think outside the box” and provide suggestions that would help make Estero a desirable destination for both residents and visitors. He said, “When creating a sense of place and a destination, I think it is key to engage a planner. They can look at the transition from the public realm into a sense of place.”  

He also felt that looking at developments in other parts of the world, such as Europe, where there is much development of open spaces with fountains and parks to sit, read, and relax, would be worthwhile.      

Tony recognized the difficulty of determining Estero’s sense of place and how that could be communicated. He asked, “How do we communicate the community character or sense of place of Estero to developers, visitors, and the community?”

Tony asked the audience,

“Where is the planning and vision that holistically looks at Estero’s developments and recreational plans?” “Who should define Estero’s sense of place and character?
Should it be:

• The HOA’s? What should the public, HOAs, and non-profits do to get their population to define life outside of their walls and contribute to a sense of community?
• Business? What should businesses provide to enhance the sense of community?
• Realtor? Should realtors promote a sense of community?
• Chamber of Commerce? Should business leaders unite the community to form a consensus on who we are?
• Visitor? What does a visitor look for when they visit a community?
• Village? What should the Village’s role be in promoting a sense of community?

It was agreed that there needed to be a dialogue with the Village Council and Management. This should be conducted sooner rather than later because growth is inevitable and desirable, but the destruction of community character is not. The question is not whether the Village will change but how.

The questions for you are:

• What does a sense of place mean to you?
• How do we establish a sense of place within Estero?
• What suggestions do you have for what should be communicated to potential visitors?
• Do you think there is a need for increased communication with the public by the Village?

Let us know your suggestions and answers in the comments below.