The February 12, 2021 meeting of the ECCL was held virtually on Zoom. The featured speaker was Mary Gibbs, Community Development Director for the Village of Estero. You can watch the video or read the summary below. The video timeline is divided into topics so you can skip to specific sections of the video.

Since June 8, 2015, Mary Gibbs has served as the Community Development Director for the Village of Estero.  Mary manages Planning, Zoning, and Building Permitting. This includes the development of the Village’s first Comprehensive Plan and Land Development Code to help guide the future growth and vision of Estero. In 2017, she was inducted into the American Institute of Certified Planners for significant planning achievements.

Mary provided a comprehensive update on community and building development activity in the Village. The following is an itemized summary of the developments she covered: –

Also, the ECCL has linked below directly to the video/sound bites of the covered topics so that if you are only interested in specific building development, you can go to that section of the talk.

• The former Monte Cristo property on Corkscrew, next to Wildcat Run – now Corkscrew Crossings – 554 single-family units
• The Stock development east of Lowes – 300 multiple family units and commercial space
• Vacant Corkscrew frontage by Stoneybrook – office, retail & gas station
• Colonnade multifamily development on Via Coconut across from Genova
• The new school planned on Three Oaks next to Copper Oaks
• Pavich Building on Happy Hollow & Corkscrew for office & café
• Coconut Landing small single-family home development on Coconut Rd. next to El Dorado Acres
• Cell tower next to Elks Club on Coconut Rd
• AutoZone/ Medical Offices – Corkscrew Rd and Arcos Ave
• Residential Development & Roundabout Landscaping Williams Road & Via Coconut.
• New Fifth Third bank on a vacant parcel at Miromar

Following Mary’s comprehensive explanation of the various potential developments, an extensive Q&A session can also be accessed on the recorded zoom call as indicated above.

ECCL President Gilmartin discussed the strategic planning efforts, 501(c)3 initiatives, and bylaws.

Council Updates

Education – Mark Novitski noted that The Veterans Recognition Pocket Park Committee would be meeting on 2/18 at the Estero Historical Society deck.

The ECCL, the Chamber, and the Historical Society will award three scholarships to students at Estero High School based on their adjudged work for a) Business, b) History, c) Governance.

Septic Tanks -Bob Dion discussed current efforts toward inspection and elimination of septic tanks.

Finance- Currently, 26 of 39 member organizations have paid their dues. Current balance is $33,000.

Membership – A membership expansion program will start in the second quarter of 2021.

Communication – Several articles, including future focus, safety, and health, and using an Automated External Defibrillator (AED), are in production, as well as an upcoming Greater Estero Community Report.

Final Comments – A member noted that Estero currently has no representation on the Bonita Springs Utility Board. An election for several seats is upcoming.