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The land-use change was sent to various state agencies, including the Department of Environmental Protection and Department of Transportation, for approval in May. The state OK’d the project with a suggestion for stronger wetland protections. There are a few acres of “high- and medium-quality wetlands” on the site, and village officials want to preserve what is left, Community Development Director Mary Gibbs said. The site has more spots of “low-quality wetlands” that flourished years ago. The source flowways were cut off after Interstate 75 was built decades ago, and the wetlands deteriorated to what they are today. Parts of the school grounds will be open for public use in exchange for removing the low-quality wetlands. No details are in place, but it could mean public parks or athletic fields. ....
Estero Village Council approved the first step of allowing a 1,600-student elementary and middle school on Three Oaks Parkway north of Corkscrew Road. ....