THE GREATER ESTERO COMMUNITY REPORT - A Summary of Recent and New Developments Planned or Under Construction in the Greater Estero Area February 2024

Oct 12, 2026

Uploaded by Mia

Engage Estero issues a monthly update outlining residential and commercial development progressing across greater Estero, with particular attention to areas such as the Village Center and the East Corkscrew corridor. The report describes projected housing growth, land purchases that reduce or avert some development, and the Village’s stated goals for interconnected transportation and community access. It also summarizes concerns about traffic capacity, timing for a comprehensive traffic study, and potential limitations on road improvements.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryGeneral

FormatPDF

Pages35

Reading Time12 min

AccessFree to download

Introduction

Development Summary

East Corkscrew Residential

Recreation Commercial

Road Developments

T H E GR EAT ER EST E R O CO MMUN ITY R E PORT Prepared by Allan Bowditch, Engage Estero’s Chief Communications Officer Introduction Engage Estero is pleased to provide residents with the sixth monthly update of the residential and commercial developments that are currently underway or are scheduled to take place in the short to medium term in greater Estero. Steve Sarkozy, Estero’s Village Manager, pointed out during the Public Forum on Estero’s Future in October 2023 the many changes that have already occurred in Estero during the last 20 years. He explained that the change rate will escalate as Estero builds out on the remaining parcels of land within the Village Center (between US 41, Three Oaks Parkway, Estero Parkway, and Coconut Road) . If these lots are maxed out, it is estimated that this could add 3-4,000 more units within Estero and increase the population by around 8,000 . However, along East Corkscrew, there are already 26,000 housing units approved and 19,000 more yet to be built! In addition, going North on Three Oaks Parkway, there are already 5,000 units that have been added in the last five years, and another 3,000 will be built in that area. Mr. Sarkozy said, “In just those two corridors we use all the time as residents, there’s a huge amount of growth.” CONTENTS Introduction Development Summary East Corkscrew Residential Recreation Commercial Road Developments The Village has initiated a comprehensive traffic study, which will take place this year. However, even when the results are known, it will take some time before they can be implemented by The Lee or Florida Department of Transport (LDOT or FDOT) . However, the Village has taken steps to help reduce development by purchasing tracts of land and rezoning them to avoid their repurchase for later development and reducing the potential traffic that would result in those areas. In addition, the Comprehensive Plan states the importance of “seeking an interconnected transportation network that successfully links residential, commercial and recreational areas safely, economically and efficiently.” The Village also states, “Estero seeks to add interconnections between existing and newly developed areas to help shorten trips and make destinations easier to reach. Estero residents want to feel connected to their community’s parks, recreation, and centers of activity. Pathways along roadways, greenways away from roadways, and blueways along the Estero River are desired to link residents to these community’s assets.” But, despite these well-intentioned objectives, as Dan DeLisi, a Land Use Planning and Water/Environmental Policy Consultant, mentioned during the October Public Forum, sadly, the road infrastructure was not planned for this buildout. He stated that infrastructure in Estero missed the need for an increased roadway network when the Capital Improvement Plan was developed. Given the current situation, there are restrictions on what road improvements can be made, although there are plans to widen Williams Road between US41 and The Three Oaks and possibly Three Oaks itself. Estero suffers because there are few major East-West arteries. He said in places like West Palm Beach, which he is familiar with,“there is a much better road infrastructure that was put in place before the build-out, making it far easier to navigate during rush hour.” Sadly, the traffic congestion issues that are being experienced in Cape Coral, Fort Myers, and elsewhere are likely to continue to get worse. Local authorities need to keep up the pressure on the county to help improve the situation to avoid another reason besides water quality issues in our rivers and bays, for visitors to decide to visit other locations and adversely impact our important revenue stream. A Summary of Recent and New Developments Planned or Under Construction in the Greater Estero Area February 2024. Prepared by Allan Bowditch, ECCL’s Chief Communications Officer Dur

FAQs

What areas of greater Estero does the report focus on for upcoming development?

The report focuses on residential and commercial developments across greater Estero, including the Village Center and the East Corkscrew corridor, along with related recreation and road systems.

How does the report explain growth and housing projections?

It describes how development pace changes as land parcels within the Village Center are built out, and it cites existing approved housing units along East Corkscrew plus additional units expected in other areas.

What transportation and traffic issues does the report highlight?

It notes that a comprehensive traffic study is planned, discusses efforts to reduce development-related traffic through land purchases and rezoning, and raises concerns that road infrastructure may not keep pace with buildout.

Oct 12, 2026

Uploaded by Mia