Estero Design Review Committee

OFFICIAL PUBLIC MEETING MINUTES

(in accordance with Chapter 33 of the Lee County Land Development Code)

Estero Community Park

The Estero Recreation Center
9200 Corkscrew Palms Boulevard
Estero, Florida

Meeting Date:            Wednesday November 12, 2008

Meeting Time:                               5:00 PM

Members in Attendance:        Nancy Cohen, Gordon Lyons, Bob Melzer, Tom O’Dea

Members Absent:                        Joseph McHarris, Al O’Donnell,

                                                    Bill Prysi, Gerald Simons, Jim Wallace

Chaired By:                                     Gordon Lyons

Minutes By:                                     Norma Reynolds

Meeting called to order by Gordon Lyons at 5:10 PM.

Meeting Minutes Approved:  Motion made by Tom O’Dea, seconded by Bob Melzer to approve the October minutes.  Unanimous.

Opening Remarks:

None

Applicant 1: Coconut Point Mall Update

Location of Project                        Corner of US 41 and Coconut Road

Presented by:            Tom Schneider, executive Vice-President of the Simon Property Group

Fee Paid:                                             Yes

SITE PLAN:

Presenter: Tom Schneider

Mr. Schneider presented a slide show indicating the landscape plan for Ethan Allen Furniture, the preliminary sketches of the awning system over the outdoor dining area of Ted’s Montana Grill, and the entertainment pavilion between Hemingway’s and Pagelli’s restaurants.

Additional comments:

• The lot to the north of Ethan Allen Furniture will eventually have a building but for now will remain a grass lot.
• The canvas awning proposed for the pavilion area is hurricane proof, has a life expectancy of 5 years.  The trellis system is metal. Lighting will be on the underside.
• The existing landscape will be moved further out to accommodate the area for performers.
• Smith Furniture is not moving forward.
• They do not expect any additional changes for 60 -90 days.

Committee Comments:

Always happy to see and hear about plans for Coconut Point Mall.        

Applicant 2: Lakes of Estero Phase 2

Location of Project: Williams Road and River Ranch Road

Presented by:  Donald Slisher, Vice President of Barbot, Steuart & Associates

Fee Paid:                                             Yes

SITE PLAN:

This is the remaining 10 acres of the development.  40 acres of single family homes is completed. This parcel is for 12 identical multi-family buildings for a total of 132 units with garages.  Zoning permits were granted 13 years ago.  The only changes since then: density reduction and set backs.  Proposal: earth tone colors for buildings similar to Rapallo, terra cotta colored cement tiles on the roofs, optional gate house, optional fence, and a 50 foot landscape and drainage area along Williams Road.

Committee Comments:

·          Currently does not meet Chapter 33 regulations.

·          Needs connectivity into the site and throughout the site. Must indicate how residents will move from one building to another.

·         There must be a sidewalk across the front of the property along Williams Road.

·         Need to check with Estero Fire Department to meet their requirements.

·         Dumpsters may have to be moved for accessibility.  They need surrounding walls with doors and must be landscaped which will make proposed parking difficult.

·         Consider using a variety of colors on the buildings for interest.  Perhaps 2 color palettes for alternating buildings.

·         Need to make a decision regarding the wall.  It will provide security, be aesthetically more pleasing as well as defining the line of landscaping.

·         Specific landscape plans need to be presented. When planning, take into consideration a buffer between the single family home and the 3-story condo buildings. Cluster some of the trees and plants.  The dry detention areas must be planted with Spartina.

·         Consider providing a gathering space for the residents and guests.

·         Must provide a plan for mailboxes.

·         Bicycle racks need to be included in the plans.

·         Plans should include the names of the architect and landscape architect.

SIGN or other Pertinent Issue:

Specific signage needs to be presented for approval.

Old Business  

1. New Estero Post Office on Three Oaks Parkway:

There has been a complaint about the signage which does not meet regulations.  The US Post Office does not have to abide by the county rules.

Their sign is a blue and white monument style located in the front of the building.  The colors do not match the building.  The fabric sign is designed to withstand winds of 150 mph.  This was never submitted for review.

Action:  Tom O’Dea will write Mary Gibbs a letter requesting that all signs be presented to the EDRC.

Another complaint has been registered about the drainage ditch which currently floods across Three Oaks Partway.  Culvert work is needed under Three Oaks Partway.

A landscape plan for the north border of the property was never presented.  Adjacent residents have complained about the lack of a buffer.

Action:  Tom O’Dea volunteered to talk with Al O’Donnell who originally worked with the US Post Office requesting he meet with them about these issues.

2. EDRC Web Page

Someone needs to be responsible for updating the web page to include current pictures, should, examples of approved architecture, acceptable designs, perimeter landscaping around proposed projects that have been approved and much more.

Gordon Lyons recommended Bill Prysi.  Bob Melzer offered to talk with Mr. Prysi about the two of them sharing the responsibility.

Meeting adjourned at 6:30 PM.

Next Meeting: Wednesday, December 10, 2008 at 5:00 PM

Estero Recreation Center
9200 Corkscrew Palms Boulevard
For the Estero Design Review Committee

These Minutes do not reflect a verbatim record of the Public Meeting conducted in accordance with Chapter 33 of the Lee County Land Development Code. However, reflect specific issues addressed and noted by each presentation. These Minutes are Official with the original signed copy as approved by the Acting Committee Chair or Designee. Unauthorized reproduction or alterations of these minutes are prohibited. These Minutes are the Copyright of the Estero Design Review Committee. All Rights Reserved.