Update on the RaceTrac service station being proposed at Bonita Beach Rd. and Bonita Grande northeast intersection and other development items of interest

Status RaceTrac Service Station - Project Proposal

Ever since I released information to the East of I-75, residents from Hunters Ridge to Bonita National and to Morton Grove, the information has consistently contained the following key points:

• The proposed RaceTrac Service Station will be in unincorporated Lee County, but it borders the Bonita Springs’ city limits or corporation limits. • The property is zoned C1 which has two key permitted uses which permit both a service station and a which is what a RaceTrac Service Station is. Obviously, there are literally dozens of other permitted uses within a use group in the current C1 zoning designation. The uses permitted in the Lee County C-1 zoning district are linked here: https://www.municode.com/library/fl/lee_county/codes/land_development_code?nodeId=LADEC O_CH34ZO_ARTVIDIRE_DIV6CODI • Due to the fact that the property is already zoned to permit a service station and convenience store there will be no public hearings, no approvals required by Lee County Commissioners, and the City of Bonita Springs has no control over this situation. • Currently a development order (DO) has been submitted to Lee County Development Services (division of Community Development). Once this Development Order is processed and approved by Development Services, a set of construction documents will be submitted to Department of Community Development‘s Building Department to obtain a building permit. Neither the DO approval process nor the building permitting process allows for public hearings nor subject to County Commission approval.

Clicking on the following link will download the RaceTrac Development order (DO) to your computer: http://www.cityofbonitasprings.org/for-residents/city-documents/racetrac/

The drawings which are in the DO download are SWP3 PLN (site plan), Utility PLN (utility plan), Lighting PLN (lighting plan), Landscape PLN (landscape plan) and Exterior Elevations PLN (exterior elevations). The other files are written forms required by a Development order submittal.

• The RaceTrac service station proposed will be similar to the existing RaceTrac service station built west of I-75 on Bonita Beach Road near the Dog Track. It will have 5 gas pump islands and 10 gas pumps capable of pumping gas into 20 vehicles while all are under one continuous free standing canopy fronting on Bonita Beach Road and Bonita Grande. This station while being similar to the existing racetrack will be smaller because the existing station has nine island or 18 pumps which means it can fuel 36 vehicles under the same canopy. • The Lee DOT and Community Development have restricted the RaceTrac to a single curb cut on both Bonita Beach road and also Bonita Grande as far away from the intersection as possible. • The County cannot impose complying with the City of Bonita Springs Dark Sky Lighting ordinance on any development bordering Bonita Springs including the RaceTrac. However, the County has similar exterior and site lighting standards which do require many of the same standards as Bonita Springs. Their lighting standards are linked below. Again, this information is somewhat technical for most of us to easily read. https://www.municode.com/library/fl/lee_county/codes/land_development_code?nodeId=LADECO_C H34ZO_ARTVIDIRE_DIV1GE_S34-625OULIST

• The only way the County Commission could intercede is to delete gas stations and convenience stores from the existing permitted use in a C1 zoning area or change the zoning to a more restrictive zoning category. Removal of an approved use (in this case two) or changing the zoning designation could be done after public hearings, but this action, if taken, would expose Lee County to a major legal liability by taking away a property owners rights. • Originally, it was indicated the misalignment between Bonita Grande north of Bonita Beach Road and Bonita Grande south of the intersection would be improved or reduced. Currently RaceTrac DO submitted Site plan does not address the existing severe realignment of Bonita Grande due to the depth of the RaceTrac site going east to west and the size of the service station including the number of gas pumps facing Bonita Beach Road and facing Bonita Grande Road.

This latest news is very disappointing. More importantly, not doing anything now to reduce or eliminate the misalignment of Bonita Grande at Bonita Beach Road intersection means that once RaceTrac constructs their new service station this badly misaligned intersection will be impossible or economically impossible to fix. Traffic at this intersection will do nothing, but increase dramatically which makes this misaligned intersection an even greater hazard than it already is.

Related to the above proposed RaceTrac Project, approximately over three months ago I proposed to City Council that we amend our Land Development Code to create a minimum separation distance between gas stations on Bonita Beach Road, Old 41, US 41 and other main roads in Bonita, as well as minimum separation distances between convenience stores, convenience stores that sell gas and fast food . Distances were discussed of 700 to 1000 ft. The majority of City Council did not support this proposal. I plan to reintroduce this by early next year, but only require a minimum separation distance between gas stations and convenience stores and convenience stores selling gas.

I would hope this information clarifies any misunderstanding as to RaceTrac building a gas station with convenience store at Bonita Beach Road and Bonita Grande.

OTHER PROPOSED DEVELOPMENTS OF INTEREST - HOTELS and MOTEL PROJECTS

Bernwood Bonita Beach Road A Hilton Gardens 95-room hotel and we believe a Hilton Gardens is being planned for construction. The developer is currently limited to 95 rooms, but more than likely will ask City Council to allow construction of 20 additional rooms. The hotel will have a meeting room in it. The site is immediately beside the pylon sign and is approximately 2.8 acres in size. Height will be 75 ft. or less. Adding the additional 20 rooms will not increase its height. Should the developer request additional rooms, City Council would be the approving authority. Ground breaking is estimated to be late spring to mid-summer, depending on when, or if, an application is submitted for additional rooms. Bonita Beach Road near former Albertsons Store

This Hotel/Motel will be approximately 90 rooms and likely a Express or Fairfield Inn. Groundbreaking timeframe is currently unknown.

Bonita Beach Road hotel between Momentum Micro Brewery and Comfort Inn A hotel/motel recently was approved by City Council in early September for approximately 60 rooms or less near the microbrewery. This project cannot be constructed until more detailed plans are submitted for City Council approval. If this approval is given, administrative applications for a development order and building permit would be required to begin construction.

Bonita Beach Road immediately west of Rhodes Restaurant City Council approved a 260-room hotel plus 120 more condo dwelling units planned to create a high-end resort. In addition, 23,000 sq. ft. of commercial development was also approved. Project referred to as Bonita Village. Next step is to submit engineering and architectural plans for a Development Order approval by Community Development. Building permits would be requested either simultaneously with the development order, or immediately following. More than likely the additional condo units will be constructed before the hotel project is approved.

Bernwood Bonita Beach Road There is another project which will be built out-front, about 695 ft. north of Hunters Ridge north property line. Preliminary plans show a very contemporary 2 story self-storage climate controlled facility approximately 39,000 sf per floor for a total of approximately 78,000 sf. In addition, this facility has an enclosed RV and vehicle storage yard. This open RV and boat storage is entirely surrounded by a non-climate controlled self- storage building approximately 14,072 sf, with the garage doors facing into the RV/vehicle storage yard. The facility is to be very well landscaped. Another non-climate controlled building approximately 2745 sf is located on the east side of the two-story facility. The developer of Bernwood and the Self-Storage Facility worked cooperatively with the City Staff and City Architect in three meetings attended by this City Councilman to significantly enhance not only the architecture, but the site landscaping. The results of the plans approved by City Council on October 19th can be viewed at the following link: http://huntersridge- ca.com/DOCS/Storage%20Facility%20Link.pdf

The project will need City Council approval for general architectural/general design. The plan will then proceed through the development order and building permit process.

Major renovations/remodeling of Bonita Springs Hampton Inns The Hampton Inn has just completed major renovations and remodeling of both Bonita Springs Hampton Inns. They have done a wonderful job, any residents who may have guests visiting the area or friends seeking recommendations for hotels, should consider the Hampton Inns as a good local option.

South side of Bonita Beach Road between I-75 and Bernwood The 19-acre wooded parcel between I-75 and Hunters Ridge Blvd. is still in the conceptual planning stage. Based on the current intents of the developer a request to rezone the property is anticipated. Conceptually, the primary uses are for an Aldi's (specialty grocery store) and/or a hotel and/or a retail establishment. This project(s) requires a rezoning of the 19-acre site which means much more information will be available and the public will be able to make input plus contact City Council regarding the proposed rezoning and proposed projects. What happens on this prime parcel could significantly determine what other types of developments follow. Likewise, any type of development which is negative will significantly adversely affect other areas east of I-75 as to how they are allowed to develop. Bonita Express near House and existing Speedway Station Multifamily apartments to be built south of Waffle House. The service Road which dead ends at Artichoke & Co. Restaurant (and Home Depot) are to be extended to the east and connect Waffle House and Speedway. A possible WaWa convenience store and gas station may be constructed as part of this development. Lee DOT is currently evaluating if existing median for the Speedway Station should remain open. The property owner is requesting a development order permit for core infrastructure. The apartment parcel is intended for sale and development by another entity, as well as the other commercial parcels.

Bonita 75 (northeast corner of Bonita Beach Road / I-75) Property under the same ownership as Bernwood Centers on both Bonita Beach Road and Old 41. The owner is requesting to subdivide the property and create commercial lots. This land is already zoned for commercial interchange uses. Current plans call for possibly self-storage buildings well beyond frontage (to north), possibly offices, or multifamily housing, or service station, convenience stores or hotel/motel or fast food Restraints and/or Applebee's style Restaurants. Currently, development is not eminent.

St. James Development beside Bonita 75 Similar uses already approved by zoning actions. Only current project contemplated is self-storage building(s) to north end of parcel. Discussions have been held with the property owner, however, no applications have been submitted.

Lee DOT to Implement a Two-Phase Closing of the median cut through at Hunters Ridge Blvd. and Bonita Beach Road Bonita Beach Road is under the jurisdiction of Lee County DOT, then changing to a privately owned public road at the east most edge of Village Walk. Due to the eventual completion of 5,513 or more new home sites immediately east of Village Walk and the 2017/2018 opening of Logan Blvd. connecting Immokalee Road to Bonita Beach Road and its anticipated traffic, Lee DOT has decided to, in the near future, reconfigure the median cut in front of Hunters Ridge Blvd. to eliminate being able to turn left towards I-75 or downtown. During this phase only west bound traffic on Bonita Beach Road coming from Bonita Grande intersection or farther from the east could turn left through the median cut and either “U” turn back to the east or enter onto Hunters ridge Blvd.

Then in approximately 5 years the cut through in the median of Bonita Beach Road would be totally closed which means Hunters Ridge residents will increase their use of the back gate on Bonita Grande opposite Worthington’s front gate. This will be a quicker way out of Hunters Ridge and quicker if coming from the east or down Terry Street. Please note, the City of Bonita Springs has no jurisdiction over Bonita Beach Road or the median cut through. More than likely a new traffic signal will be installed at the median cut through approximately half way between the existing median cut at Hunters Ridge Blvd. and the traffic signal at Bonita Grande and Bonita Beach Road.

This action resulting in the closing of the median cut through is under the control of Lee County DOT and FDOT and timelines provided are based on discussions with them, however, these times can change based on their analysis.

The Everglades Wonder Gardens

The Everglades Wonder garden is hosting a wonderful social to let everyone know about the recently major improvements and planned improvements will do for the continued operation of this SW historical attraction for preservation of the everglades, wetlands and rivers. Our Bonita Springs Wonder Gardens is a great place to educate our youth and visitors, as well as our newer residents as to the wildlife, exotic plant and water plant life. So please come to this social event to learn more about this historic facility.

You are invited to attend a reception at Hunter’s Ridge Clubhouse to learn about the Everglades Wonder Gardens on Wednesday November 16th from 5:00 to 6:30 PM. The reception is being hosted by Fred Forbes and his wife Carolyn, and Bill Lonkart and his wife Barbara. Come join your friends and neighbors for wine and hors d’oeuvres. Board members from the Everglades Wonder Gardens will be on hand to share exciting news about what the future holds for this historic community landmark. Hope you can join us!

RSVP by Phone or Email to: Amber Piper 239-992-2591, [email protected]

Hopefully most of those who receive this EBLAST Newsletter will find information which they are interested in. In the event you did not receive a copy of this information directly, simply email your name, community location, and your email address so you will receive future editions of this Newsletter directly to: [email protected]. Please have your General Manager or Community president post this Newsletter on your community’s website or email to the membership. I’m also willing to meet with groups of residents, internal committees and organizations to talk about community business. Please let me know if you are interested.

Fred Forbes, City Councilman