A property owned by a city in Southwest Florida for years is closer to being developed.
Bonita Springs City Council voted Wednesday on a rank of companies council members will consider negotiations with to develop land in the downtown area.
Council is starting with a Barron Collier Companies.
The proposal is a waterfront area, a market area and a park, as well as commercial and residential space.
A proposed elevation rendering for the commercial and residential additions to the Bonita Springs downtown area. Credit: City of Bonita Springs via WINK News.
Some people we spoke with don’t think that’s a good idea.
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Private businesses are not affected by the ruling and can still require masks for entry.
Councilor Jesse Purdon said the city is following the state decisions.
“I feel like the majority of folks are ready to move forward,” Purdon said. “One piece of that is being open to everything.”
Gov. Ron DeSantis issued an executive order earlier this month that will outlaw local mask mandates and other COVID-19 restrictions beginning July 1.
This would include Estero, as employees are required to wear masks in Village Hall, spokeswoman Marilyn Edwards said. The Estero Village Council also requires all councilors and attendees to wear masks at public meetings. The public microphone is disinfected after every public comment.
Councilors continued the debate without coming to a solid answer during a Wednesday meeting. Councilors went on tangents as separate ideas came forward, leading to some frustration and confusion. It was eventually voted to have a facilitator lead another workshop to stop any off-the-rails conversations.
“I think more, at this point, you need to get down to basics,” City Attorney Derek Rooney told the council. “Maybe, perhaps, to take some of the personalities out of it, I would recommend a meeting facilitator to help you discuss these ideas.”
One matter was clear cut despite the cacophony of opinions: The waterfront should stay open to the residents.