Were happy that were here although its just the beginning. Estero did have a solid vision around their development. A long time Estero resident, Fiesel is running to replace Howard Levitan (who is retiring due to term limits). This is an important time for the residents of . Estero Village Council unanimously approved Wednesday the first reading of an ordinance to rezone a 45.6-acre parcel from mixed-use planned development to Estero planned development. Once they did that, I automatically felt the time had come that we must incorporate to try to protect the real estate, the properties that were in Estero., Howard Levitan, Estero councilor and former vice-chairman of the ECCL: Basically, we said, Here is what the advantages are home rule, preserve and enhance building standards, use revenue locally, community centered government, control future growth, and protect Esteros quality of life., Katy Errington, Estero councilor: I wasnt involved in the ECCL, I just thought it was a good idea, especially after the Hyatt Regency (Coconut Point Resort & Spa)in 2014 became part of Bonita Springs. We always came down here and vacationed in Fort Myers, Allison Rick said. The development called Via Coconut will consist of 330 multifamily units, 27,310 square feet of commercial uses and a 1-acre public park on [], Estero Village Council voted unanimously last month to settle a lawsuit with Long Bay Partners LLC, Top-CR Associates LLC and PAC Estero Apartment, allowing the developers to build a four-story apartment complex with 154 units at the northwest corner of Three Oaks Parkway and Coconut Road. A long time Estero resident, Fiesel is running to replace Howard Levitan (who is retiring due to term limits). It cannot just be 32 gated communities where older people live., Bill Ribble: Thats been a challenge. This property, south of the Estero River, is half of the 62-acre land the Village purchased in 2019, known as the Estero on the River Trails project. The new vice mayor also thanked the council for giving her the position. We support his beliefs that an interim city manager should be in place on the first day council takes office. Although the oldest of the council candidates at 77, we like that he wants to involve FGCU students in development of the city, as well as the university televising council meetings. Incorporation passed, with 87 percent of those who votedin favor. The ECCL was built on a vision mainly that of Nick Batos and Don Eslick. The Village of Estero will be holding an election on March 7, 2023, for Council Districts 3, 4, 5 and 7 where three of the four current Councilmembers will be termed out. Start now. I have been a resident of Estero and the Colony in Pelican Landing since April of 2007. More than 200 volunteers were needed to fill 2,000 backpacks at the Fort Myers Skatium Saturday evening. Estero's leaders see room for improvement. Growth and development is likely to continue across the community. I love history. Estero is a village in Lee County, Florida, United States.As of the 2020 census, the population was 36,939. All seven councilors are older than 65. Now the hard work starts. Mayor Nick Batos told the Naples Daily News. All rights reserved. As the District 7 representative that covers the eastern portion of Estero, he said he is zeroing in on the tremendous growth and construction in his area. I am super excited help achieve goals. Will that really develop as a town center? Errington is a Rotarian of the Year (2012), member of the Estero Historical Society, Florida certified horticultural professional and a church elder. Privacy Policy | Terms & Conditions| Community Rules, 2022 Estero Life Magazine. The Village of Estero became Southwest Florida's ninth municipality. Also in the race is Randall Brodersen, 67, who has a wealth of city government experience, working 24 years for the public works department in Punta Gorda. Village of Estero Council He is a board member of the Estero Historical Society and the Greater Estero Virtual Information Center and co-founder of the Gulf Coast Dream Cruise for Charity. A retired lawyer, Levitan was a leader in the effort to incorporate Estero in 2014 and the Villages first Vice Mayor. The Village is asking residents from these districts to consider becoming a candidate for a four-year term Council position. The councilors sat on a stage in the school auditorium. Estero Life Magazine uniquely brings the people, places, and events together for our readers to give them a full appreciation of the beauty, excitement and variety of activities that combine to create ourLifestyle. During her time on Village Council, Errington served as the liaison for numerous organizations including the Lee County Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO), serving as vice chair, chairperson and chair of the Lee County MPO Executive Committee; the Florida League of Mayors, serving on the board of directors; and several organizations dedicated to conservation, preservation and water qualityCharlotte Harbor National Estuary Program, South Florida Water Management District, Conservancy of Southwest Florida, and the historic Boomer Property. The overwhelming support of its members kicked off public presentations and a petition drive throughout Estero. Since 2013, she has been a passionate advocate for parents, students, and teachers within the Lee County public education system, serving on several advisory committees. During the 2010 census, Estero was an unincorporated community, or census-designated place, the population at that time was 22,612. He holds a bachelors degree in criminal justice from Florida International University. Those involved with the ECCL when they were free to discuss the future of the city behind closed doors can't do that now as elected leaders. The Rodrigues-sponsored incorporation bill passed the Florida house and senate in April 2014. Nobody knew who was even going to run (for the council)at that point.. Because there is strength in numbers and no Sunshine Law restrictions, Engage Estero can openly address and affect the outcome of both challenges and opportunities facing our communities. The village in 2019 purchased 62 acres along the Estero River. Find him on Twitter as @thaddeusmast. Gary Israel for Wilson served as the liaison for the Lee County Horizon Council, East Corkscrew Alliance, Bonita/Estero Economic Development Council and the Estero Chamber of Commerce, serving as an elected member. In fact, 65% of all Estero housing units are less than 13 years old and about 80 % of all Estero commercial properties are under 10 years of age, according to the feasibility study. All the candidates want a "government-lite" system, where money is spent wisely and where the residents come first. His primary area of focus was bike and pedestrian safety, including the ongoing effort to develop a bike trail along the CSX railroad corridor. He previously served 27 years as a councilman in Palatine, Ill., before moving to Estero, where he applied his lifelong experience to establish an efficient and well-run government structure in Estero. I think that because our tax rate is lower than the county and surrounding communities, people will opt in, will ask to be annexed, especially some of the communities out on Corkscrew Road., Nick Batos: I think in the next five to ten years, were going to see even a bigger change than weve seen in the first five years. Zalisko, 58, has called for Wilson, 71, to withdraw from the race over allegations Wilson improperly voted in Illinois while a resident and voting in Florida. He is excited about being part of the plans for the 20 acres the village purchased in June 2022 by Williams Road. That was the amazing thing about what had happened., Don Eslick, former chairman of the ECCL: It went in my judgment pretty smoothly, considering they were brand new. ", Don Eslick: It will be very interesting to see whats going to happen with the Estero on the River property. If you do They listened to a lengthy report on landscaping by I-75 and Corkscrew Road and about a Florida Department of Transportation report on the future of the interstate. The Village of Estero has a new mayor, new vice mayor and three new council members. Have a question about our services? All Rights Reserved. Yes, two of the ECCL's major players, Batos (District 6) and Howard Levitan (District 2), have already won council seats, as has William Ribble Jr. (District 1), because they ran unopposed. No election took place because all three candidates ran unopposed in their districts. The Village of Estero conducts regular Council meetings. Ribble said she is looking forward to getting phase one of the 67 acres completed with trails and restrooms and then moving on to phase two which encompasses the north side of the river. He wants to review the residential and commercial development projects on the board to make sure they meet the correct standards and they blend with environmental and preservation needs. We are encouraged by what has happened leading up to this election. "I have given back to Estero thousands of hours," she said. Will that be the site of the city hall? The first-generation council members did some of the heavy lifting, and it is incumbent upon us to take it into the future, he said. Because of that experience, we were pleased to see he may want to increase the level of law enforcement provided to Estero by the Lee County Sheriff's Office and go to a plan similar to Bonita Springs, which added full-time, dedicated patrols when it was incorporated. Village Council: District 1 - Bill Ribble, Mayor; District 2 - Howard Levitan; District 3 - Jon McLain; District 4 - Katy Errington, Vice Mayor; District 5 - James Boesch; District 6 - Nick Batos; District 7 - Jim Wilson 0:51. McLain brings extensive business background to the council and enthusiasm for preserving and Jim Boesch: A municipality has to support people of all ages. He was born in Havana, Cuba, and grew up in Miami. It established rules for a village center, a walkable mixed-use downtown in the heart of the village. He is familiar with Sunshine Laws, and understands the importance of conducting business and decision making in public settings. We like her passion on bringing voice to development issues as she did while president of the Breckenridge Condo Association. The candidates want a medical center that serves its community with top level care, from an an emergency room to specialty treatment, clinging to the possibility that one day a hospital will be located there. Estero is turning five. More than 45 percent of Estero is 65 years or older, according to U.S. Census estimates. We were just about ready to put in trails and now because of the eagles we had to stop., MOREStairway to Heaven: Remains of Fort Myers Beach cottage create hope after Hurricane Ian, ANDBonita Springs, BCC host town hall on golf course redevelopment, ALSOSix months after Hurricane Ian: Bonita Beach, creeping toward recovery. VILLAGE OF ESTERO COUNCIL 5 Candidates: 2: George Zalucki (NON) 20470 Black Tree Ln Estero, FL 33928 Email: info@georgeforestero.com, sharonzalucki@sbcglobal.net Phone: 239-319-0961: Sharon Zalucki 20470 Black Tree Lane Estero, FL 33928 Email: sharonzalucki@sbcglobal.net Phone: 239-319-0961: Elected: 4/25/2022: 121810694: VILLAGE OF ESTERO . George Zalucki ran unopposed and will begin his four-year term beginning March 21, 2023, and ending March 15, 2027. He was also active with the Carmel school system, including being president of the H.S. Thaddeus Mast is a south Lee County reporter for the Naples Daily News and The Banner. He has extensive business experience, holding executive positions at several corporations. Privacy Policy | Terms & Conditions| Community Rules, 2022 Estero Life Magazine. Zalucki praised the work of those that came before him. Katy Errington: I couldnt believe I was an elected official. There was a real desire to protect property values.. Gary Israel, 63, and Adam Waszkowski, 43, also are entered in the race. Many functions, such as waste removal and road and landscaping maintenance, are achieved through partnerships with other municipalities and private companies. Residential Developments within the Village of Estero Recreational Developments Planned in Estero Commercial Developments Other Developments Note: The Kingston Development (not listed above) will involve approximately 10,000 new homes with a population estimate of 22,000. "I want them to help make us a cultural municipality," he said. Estero Country Club is so excited and proud to be a part of this rising area. It had to go through the Legislature., Ray Rodrigues,Estero's state representative who sponsored the cityhood bill: I did it for a couple of reasons. All the candidates want a town center that is community friendly, encouraging the right kind of commercial growth. Conflict is growing in Cape Coral, while six city budget review committee members resigned this week after the council voted to remove the committee chairman. To read more at Gulfshore Business, click here. There will be two accesses, which are the already existing right turn-in only from eastbound Corkscrew Road and full access to the south from Three Oaks Parkway. The mayor also pointed to the 20 acres by Williams Road that the village recently purchased as a focal point for his time on the council. Sign up to know what's going on in your neighborhood. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Note the date and time in your diary now!! In 2019, the village's estimated population was 33,871. His primary areas of focus included Estero Bay, the former Weeks Fish Camp property and the development of Village Hall. No, not just because of St. Patrick's Day, it marked the first Village of Estero Council Meeting and swearing in! With all that ahead, here are our endorsements: Brown, 69, has been involved in the formation of the city as a Belle Lago representative to the ECCL. They voted unanimously to move forward with plans for biking improvements by Sandy Lane. He shows a willingness to want to work with others, partnering with various economic development groups and he wants a relationship with state groups, like Enterprise Florida, and with the Horizon Council. Official Facebook page of the Village of Estero, Florida. We built these big reserves. We ask Estero's leaders to be mindful of what they have been preaching on the campaign trail and what they said to The News-Press Editorial Board. There is that fine balance.. We expect the new leaders of this city to honor Sunshine Laws. A lot of the zoning was done prior to the village being incorporated.. Here are major moments from Estero's first years as a village. His primary area of focus was community development, including spearheading efforts for Esteros first Comprehensive Plan and Land Development Code. Fort Myers, FL 33967, The Rise of Womens Golf: International Womens Day. Official website of the Village of Estero, in Florida. All the candidates want a safe community, building onto an infrastructure that meets traffic needs and provides sidewalks for pedestrians and riding areas for cyclists. The Village of Estero became Southwest Floridas ninth municipality. Community Development Village of Estero - Community Development 239.221.5036 Phone 239.319.2817 Inspections Main Number Building, Permitting, Inspections, Code Enforcement, Planning, Zoning, and Environmental Services Hours of Operation: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm 9401 Corkscrew Palms Circle 1st Floor Estero, FL 33928 239.319.2235 Fax Email: commdev@estero-fl.gov* Steve Fontz - Building Official - 239 . There are plans to get that up and open to the public in the very near future.. Sovereignty Submerged Lands easement Council approved the one-time payment of $739.88 to the Department of Environmental Protection for a 10-foot-wide easement under the Estero River for the Sunny . Lori Fayhee ran unopposed and will begin her four-year term beginning March 21, 2023, and ending March 15, 2027. He was one of the architects of Estero's cityhood, serving as transportation chairman of the ECCL. Zalucki has a lot of experience leading groups in Estero. More:Five stories to watch in Estero in 2020, More:Estero to assume ownership of Happehatchee Center, a Corkscrew Road eco-spiritual retreat. EFFECTIVE DATE. On March 17, 2021, the terms of three Estero Village Council members expired, and three new members were sworn in to serve four-year terms. Ribble, Levitan and Batos are founding members of the Estero Village Council. "The people are counting on the council to be good fiscally," he said. The Village of Estero requested a land-use change and a rezoning for a 31.5-acre property at the northeast corner of U.S. 41 and Corkscrew Road on Wednesday. Finally, Jon talked about the Village Council elections in March 2023, and three of the four candidates are "terming" out. For additional questions, you may contact Village Clerk Carol Sacco at 239-221-5035 or sacco@estero-fl.gov. Joanne is also a member of the Estero Forever Foundation. Now that Corkscrew Road is growing, there are going to be 6,500 new families out there. Joanne Ribble has lived in Estero since 2007 and has been active on the Estero Design Review Committee (prior to Village incorporation) and the Pelican Landing Unit Owners Committee. We use cookies to analyze website traffic and optimize your website experience. They voted unanimously to approve River Creeks plat plan. She takes to heart that 86 percent of voters wanted incorporation and she wants them well represented during meetings. We like that he wants flexibility in rezoning the land still available for development, assessing residential, commercial and environmental needs. Fort Myers shooting investigation underway near Veronica Shoemaker Blvd. Meetings are Other members termed out this year . An Indiana native, Fiesel graduated from Purdue University with a degree in architectural engineering. Lopez is a veteran of the U.S. Marine Corps and served for 33 years as a law enforcement officer in Dade and Broward counties, retiring in 2016 with the rank of lieutenant. Today, we endorse for the four remaining seats to fill the village of Estero's first City Council. We expect the council to develop respectful working relationships with city neighbor Bonita Springs, with the Lee County Commission and with other important groups like the Horizon Council and Metropolitan Planning Organization, as well as the Southwest Florida Economic Development Alliance. He wants to do it through a less intrusive government. To avoid a filing fee, candidates may start collecting signatures of support from friends and neighbors once they have filed with the Lee County Supervisor of Elections Office. We look forward to seeing what the future has in store for us. Band Booster Board, and a 35 year member of the Sertoma International club. Village of Estero is Born. "I want to make a difference in our town, preserve green space and I want people to be proud they live in Estero. Copyright 2022 Gary for Estero - All Rights Reserved. The Village COuncil webite also includes bios of all seven councilmembers and lists their contact information. Improvements proposed are parking, signage, trash enclosure and landscaping. To be selected by my peers, to be the mayor it was quite humbling. Said newly elected Mayor Batos. Always involved in the community, Fiesel was a member of the Carmel (IN) Mayors Street Tree committee, which led to the citys designation as a Street Tree City. Outgoing Mayor Katy Errington was one of the original council members for the Village of Estero, beginning on March 17, 2015, and serving eight years.

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