SCCF: Lee Plan amendments could put DR/GR at risk
The Sanibel-Captiva Conservation Foundation (SCCF) reported that the Lee County Board of Commissioners voted on April 21 to direct staff to prepare amendments to the Lee Plan.
The amendments were related to the Southeast Lee Community Plan Area, to “manage growth, streamline the Southeast Lee Overlays, reduce unnecessary regulations, and encourage development that protects the County’s natural resources.”
The SCCF reported that the direction resulted from 11 open applications at the time for development projects that are likely to impact the Density Reduction — Groundwater Resource (DR/GR) area.
“The DR/GR is a protected area of vital importance for wildlife habitat, water quality, and provides many other ecosystem services that benefit all Lee County residents,” Environmental Policy Director Matt DePaolis, who attended the meeting, said. “By directing staff to prepare amendments to the Lee Plan, the county risks eroding or losing these important services.”
During the public comment period at the meeting, he stressed the need to engage the public early and often for the process to be successful.
“There is a difference between a box-checking exercise and a robust public engagement process that builds on input from citizens and experts across the county, and I hope that staff will work with Lee County residents to protect our resources,” DePaolis said.
After a brief discussion, the commissioners voted to direct staff to generate the amendments, assuring meeting attendees that there would be more options to weigh in once the amendments are presented to the Local Planning Agency.
The SCCF reported that it follow the issue and continue to keep the public informed.
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