PUBLIC COMMENTS
March 15, 2010 - BCC Chambers

 DEVELOPMENT PATTERNS

INTERGOVERNMENTAL COORDINATION

Need consolidation of fire districts.  Programmatic

Better coordination between School Board (sitting) and County Government (locate

schools where infrastructure is available or planned).  Same for EMS and Fire Stations –
all facets of infrastructure.
Policy 2.6 Intergovernmental Coordination Element (ICE)
FEMA (under DHS), SFWMD, DEP, USACOE, Collier County Stormwater

need to coordinate water resource management (surface and storm; water

supply for municipal resources). Policy 1.4 Potable Water Sub-Element
Better coordination between MPO and Comprehensive Planning (Land Use and

Transportation).  Programmatic
Better coordination between Parks & Recreation; and Libraries (co-locate).

Policy 1.6.1 Recreation and Open Space Element (ROSE)
Better coordination between Schools and Parks & Recreation (co-locate). Policy 1.1.2 (ROSE)

Need Rural Development Standards for non-urban areas.  Policy 4.1 Future Land Use Element
(FLUE)
Establish single authority for fire plan reviews.  Programmatic

TRANSPORTATION

Integrate MPO and LRTP.  Programmatic
Transportation Planning should be part of Master Plan.  Observational
Education enforcement of laws and rules – 3’ clear to bikes/pedestrians.
Programmatic

Establish a minimum Level of Service for multi-model needs.  Policy 1.5 Capital
Improvement Element &  Policy 12.8 Transportation Element

Develop bike share with transit.  Observational

Formalize lime rock road policy.  Observational

Strengthen 4.6 and 4.7.  Policy 4.6 & 4.7Transportation Element

Stress interconnection and continuity.  Policy 7.3 FLUE

Adopt Rural Road Section Standards – Lighting, Landscape and Water.  Policy 1.5
Capital Improvement Element & Policy 12.8 Transportation Element

Fair and equitable impact fees – Too high today/unfriendly/too busy and most
cost effective design and construction to reduce fees.  Observational

Dead ends, (i.e. Vanderbilt Beach Road ends at DeSoto); build when population supports. 
Policy 1.2 CIE

MSTU should pay for own Administration Costs – 10%?  Observational
Integrate road water management with land use and water quality parks. Programmatic
Pathways added to requirement for concurrency.  Policy 5.1 CIE

Policy 5.1 – add pathways.  Policy 5.1 Transportation Element

Add linear greenway parks to connect facilities.  Programmatic
Better facility and location planning for schools with coordination of county

infrastructure.  Objective 3 Public Schools Facility Element

As appropriate, add complete street/non-motorized.  Observational

CLIMATE CHANGE

Increase Mass Transit instead of road widening.  Policy 3.3 Transportation Element

Increase bike lanes.  Policy 4.5 Transportation Element
Need to address sea level rise due to climate change.   Observational

WATER RESOURCE PROTECTION

County has no Flood Plain Management Plan.  Policy 6.3 Drainage Sub -Element

No coordination with Big Cypress Basin; SFWMD; FEMA and DEP (ex: - Picayune
Strand Restoration project was completed without consideration of the effect of the
RLSA on the flood plain).  Observational
Where are the Comprehensive Watershed Management Plan and the Comprehensive Water
Resource Management Plan? Policy 1.5 Drainage Sub -Element

When are the efforts going to be:

ü  Funded

ü  Delivered

ü  Scheduled

Where is monitoring and maintenance of water resource? Potable Water and Drainage
Sub-Elements

Watershed/Water Resource Management needs to be holistic

ü  Environment/Development/Conservation/Recharge/
Recycle/Reuse/ Alternative Water Resources   Observational

The County needs to establish a Stormwater Utility fee to address needed improvements and
to address EPA’s implementation of the NNC (Numeric Nutrient Criteria).  Observational &
Policy 1.5 Drainage Sub-Element

EASTERN LANDS (RLSA-RFMUD)

TDR Program not working.  Observational

Natural Resource Studies not detailed enough.  Observational

Not enough TDR’s to use for density in Receiving Lands.  Future Land Use Element
(FLUE) RFMUD

Allow other uses on Receiving Lands (Non-residential).  Future Land Use Element
(FLUE) RFMUD

RFMUD Plan not compatible with Estates Master Plan.  Lost commercial
opportunities for the Estates due to RFMUD Plan.  Observational

Consider modifying Rural Village Design Standards (Street Layout). Programmatic

Consider convertibility of RLSA Density to RFMUD (SSA’s to Receiving

Lands). Future Land Use Element (FLUE) RLSA & RFMUD

Consider “Banking” of TDR’s for smaller parcels.  Programmatic

Allow conversion of some Receiving Lands to Sending.  Future Land Use Element
(FLUE) RFMUD

Engage Estates residents with eastern lands development.  Programmatic

AFFORDABLE HOUSING

Create jobs to minimize the need for affordable housing.  Programmatic

Eliminate impact fees for affordable housing units.  Policy 2.10 Housing  Element

Utilize existing housing stock for affordable housing, e.g. foreclosure

properties.  Observational

Provide for various stages of transitional housing for varying income levels.

Policy 2.2 Housing Element

Mandate affordable housing within all developments; residential and mixed-use.  Policy 1.3
Housing Element

Provide public transportation proximate to affordable housing units.  Policy 2.11 Housing
Element

Defer impact fees for affordable housing.  Policy 2.10 Housing Element

Provide density bonus incentives for the development of affordable housing

units within mixed-use developments.  Policy 2.9 Housing Element

Stop the perpetual loss of affordable housing units by prohibiting the

conversion of those units to market rate units.  (Property owners receive the

benefit of increased density for constructing affordable units, but then these

unit types eventually go away and become market rate units.)  Programmatic

PUBLIC COMMENTS

February 23, 2010 - University of Florida

 CLIMATE CHANGE

Promote and encourage safe bike/walk, including education to improve safety of
bike/pedestrians routes to reduce number of miles driven, especially school
drop-off.  Policy 4.2 Transportation Element

Reduce gaps between CAT stops. Explore feasibility of bike rentals at CAT 

stops to minimize gaps in the existing networks of bike/pedestrians pathways.

Programmatic

Increase mass transit availability (CAT).  Policy 12.10Transportation Element

Create bike/pedestrians pathways on canal banks to separate bike routes
from vehicle traffic. Programmatic

Do not use Vehicle Miles Traveled (VMT) reduction as an excuse to build more

commercial in neighborhoods where they were not planned nor vetted through a

local master plan process.  Observational

Flooding as a result of climate change will affect current population estimates,

County needs to revise estimates.  Observational

Include more bridges (Golden Gate Estates) to reduce fuel consumption and safety. 
Policy 9.3
Transportation Element GGAMP Restudy

Create County-wide storm water management to address sea level rise. Policy 2.1.5 
Conservation
& Coastal Management Element

Standards to address Climate Change need to be different for Golden Gate

Estates (than urban coastal zones). Observational

Allow low density areas in Golden Gate Estates. Observational

 Make CAT cost more affordable.  Observational

TRANSPORTATION

Public safety in the Estates has been ignored - Observational

Paving not followed through on local roads - Programmatic

Proposed Transportation Corridors thru Estates never contemplated by Master

Plan and is inconsistent with the GGAMP.

ü  Vanderbilt Beach Road not necessary – inconsistent with GGAMP.

ü  Taking of homes for Vanderbilt Beach Road not necessary. 

ü  Extension of Green Blvd and Wilson Blvd – not consistent
with GGAMP. GGAMP Restudy

Transportation – Mobility Plan will Change Rural Character. Observational

Bridge the waterways – instead of 4-6 lane roads to reduce miles traveled. Policy 9.3
Transportation Element.  GGAMP Restudy

Multi paths should be developed separate of roadway. Policy 4.2 of Transportation
Element

Better linkage between Transportation Planning and Land Use is needed.  Objective 5
Transportation Element

Loop around Estates do not go through it to carry traffic.  GGAMP Restudy

Long Range Transportation Plan needs to be incorporated further into GMP –

recognize character of sub-districts. Objective 5 Transportation Element

Transportation feasibility between sub-districts (RLSA, RFMUD, Estates)

needs greater coordination.  Objective 5 Transportation Element

Interior Commercial Development in Estates not consistent with GGAMP. GGAMP

Restudy

Eighth Street is a residential road – Fair Grounds should stop using for all

events.  Programmatic

Estates Road Network needs to be planned for build-out, with street width and   

locations clearly shown.  Programmatic

More ECO friendly landscaping and water efficient medians.  Programmatic

Widen Oil Well Road to State Road 29 and expand State Road 29.  LRTP

Programmatic

Bridging of Wilson Blvd South should never be proposed.  Programmatic

I-75 interchange should not route traffic thru Estates. LRTP Programmatic,

GGAMP Restudy

AFFORDABLE HOUSING 

Maintain viability of below market rate housing (particularly multi-family units) as

transitional housing. Observational

Increase public assistance to affordable housing, possibly maintaining and

administrating units (existing) for present and future occupants.  Programmatic

Stop steering affordable housing into the estates.  Partner with realtors to

improve the image of the estates.  Observational

Maintain unoccupied housing units.  Programmatic

Increase focus of affordable housing to multi-family units from single-family.

Programmatic

Promote owner occupied units/rent-to-own units. Programmatic

Develop a program to monitor absentee owner activities. Programmatic

Waive impact fees for development of affordable housing.  Policy 2.7 Housing

Element

Reflect actual vacancy rates within CIGM.  Programmatic

Identify threshold of affordable housing within geographic area – and allow no

affordable housing in that location if thresholds crossed. Policy 1.4 Housing

Element

Issue of affordable housing in Golden Gate Estates – Is it a good idea to explore

potential?  Observational

EASTERN LANDS - (RLSA – RFMUD)

Increase developer credits during RLSA revisions.  RLSA 5-Year review

amendments - Observational

Credits for underground assets? (Mining)  RLSA 5-Year review amendments,

Observational

Panther overpasses and underpasses (do they work)?  Programmatic

Define primary and secondary panther habitat.   Programmatic

Loss for concurrency has not been proven by data and analysis for the new

changes proposed.  Observational

Don’t use Golden Gate Estates as thru-way for access to the coast.

Observational

Don’t build roads in advance of development and population.  Observational

TDR program is inefficient

ü  Doesn’t incent transfers sufficiently for developers

ü  Envision market for TDR’s in non-existent (don’t sell)

ü  Further incent transfers into urban infill (clause is unclear
and needs to be expanded)

ü  Provide further incentives from sending to receiving

ü  Rural villages envisioned within receiving areas don’t

provide sufficient commercial capacity

ü  Design and criteria for commercial locations within the

ü  villages
isolate them from major transportation corridors
(making them not viable)

ü  No new high speed (> 36 mph) roads built in RLSA and
Rural Fringe Sending Areas (low speed essential for
wildlife preservation)

ü  Commercial development on the interior of Golden Gate
Estates goes against the Master Plan and should not
be allowed.

The taking of homes instead of a golf course for the Vanderbilt Beach Extension
should not be allowed.  Observational

RLSA in Collier County did not address any concerns from DCA (7 written

concerns from Tom Pelham) Observational

RLSA and RFMUD need to be compatible with Golden Gate Master Plan

ü  When RFMUD was created, land use restrictions
eliminated functionality of Golden Gate Master
Plan – Ex: Proposed location for estates commercial

           Observational

RLSA has encouraged premature conversion of agriculture by:

ü  Only low quality agriculture has been protected

ü  By using eminent domain to provide transportation
corridors

ü  Refusing to address DCA concerns

ü  Using Section 189 Districts to bypass Florida’s
Growth Management Laws - Observational

GMP Elements (like RLSA, RFMUD, and Golden Gate Master Plan) need to address
the effects they have on each other:

ü  Services

ü  Transportation

ü  Land Use

Where is the Master Watershed Management Plan?  Policy 2.1.5 Conservation and
Coastal Management Element

Receiving Areas in the RFMUD need to be changed to allow services including
business, commercial and industrial can be located there to support not only the
RFMUD, but adjacent Golden Gate Estates and surrounding Communities. 
Observational

DEVELOPMENT PATTERNS 

Fairground activities have escalated over time – both the frequency and intensity
of events disrupt the tranquility of surrounding Golden Gate Estates.  Observational

Need Rural Standards for East of C.R. 951 (development standards, roads, dark
skies, etc.) Policy 1.5 Capital Improvements Element

In Golden Gate Estates, commercial development was [mostly] to occur on periphery,
and [interior] commercial was to be small scale/small magnitude.  Peripheral
commercial can be larger in magnitude – that is acceptable.  Observational -
GGAMP Restudy

There should be a minimum residency period requirement to serve on Committee(s)
that can change, or influence change to, the Golden Gate Area Master Plan (GGAMP),
e.g. 5 years. Programmatic

For development in the Rural Lands Stewardship Area (RLSA), Golden Gate Estates
residents are not included/engaged – their input is not sought though RLSA
development may impact GGE.  Observational

Proposed large commercial development at Golden Gate Blvd. and Wilson Blvd. 
is out of character, destroys aesthetics [referring to proposed GMP amendment 
petition CP-2008-1].  Observational

Staff involved in projects, plans, etc. need to have familiarity with the affected area. 
Staff should live in the area or at least tour the area to get familiar with, and better
understand, the area.  Observational

More comprehensive approach needed when planning east of 951; GGE, RLSA,
Rural Fringe Mixed Use District (RFMUD) planning affects one another (drainage,
roads, resources, commercial and industrial services).  Objective 4 
Future Land Use Element

Need to plan for Golden Gate Estates long-term – consider build-out. 
Observational

Road corridors serving urban areas should be routed around rural areas so as

to maintain community character.  Observational-GGAMP Restudy

Plans for east of 951 aren’t flexible enough to accommodate change in growth
rate. Observational

The Collier Interactive Growth Model (CIGM) is slow to react to demographic 
changes. Observational

Need a Community Center within Golden Gate Estates.  Observational
Need larger, more effective buffers around commercial development and County
projects when near/affecting nearby residences.  Programmatic

Goals, Objectives and Policies (GOP’s) of the GMP are not adequately
implemented. Observational

Need more public arenas for homeowners to voice concerns and opinions about   
topics/problems affecting them, e.g. fairgrounds activities, water treatment plants,
mining operations.  Programmatic

For Vanderbilt Beach Road Extension, should take golf course land
[for needed right-of-way], not homes. Observational

During moratorium period (reference June 22, 1999 Final Order from Florida 
Administration Commission), the County did not adequately address environmental
issues, nor where/when/if additional development would be permitted, including
agriculture.  Observational

Changes to the GGAMP should be the exception, not the norm. Observational

One or more East of 951 Horizon Committee Members suggested urbanizing

Golden Gate Estates.  Need to preserve the rural character, per the GGAMP.  
Observational

Should focus on SR 29/82 bypass as an industrial development center based in
Immokalee Area.  Observational

Question whether RLSA development showing fiscal neutrality. Policy 4.8  
RLSA Overlay - FLUE

County policies encourage premature conversion of agriculture lands – when 
there’s no need for more residential lands.  Observational

Planning period for GMP should be extended beyond 10 years.  Policy 5.4 CIE

Provide concurrency with Transportation projects/plans.  Policy 2.1 Transportation
Element

Need a re-study of GGAMP – need to program for it and provide funding.
Observational

WATER RESOURCE PROTECTION

With a future unpredictable climate we cannot depend on previous historical levels
of water. Observational

Develop new tools to predict future water availability.  Policy 1.3 of Potable Water
Sub-Element

GMP elements need to consider the effects they have on each other

ü  Available water supply

ü  Waste Management (Landfills)

ü  Drainage Observational

If and when sea levels rise, what has the BCB done to keep water in the Eastern
Collier area fresh and apart from encroaching seas?  Observational– Major  Issue-

Climate Change

The County has let the residents down by acquiescing in the FIRM.   Observational

The County has failed to provide guidance to the people who will need a LOMA. 
Programmatic

The County has failed to limit growth based on available resources. Objective 2
(Financial Feasibility) Capital Improvements Element

The County has failed to consider the cumulative effect of deep aquifer withdrawal. 
Observational

The County has failed to develop a County-wide Storm water Plan. Objective 2.1
Conservation and Coastal Management Element

Canals not cleaned (algae and weeds cover canal along Frangipani Ave.) Algae
sheet sunk (causing future problems for fish and drainage).  Programmatic

C 7 connector has better flow due to culverts being installed. Observational

FEMA elevations too large a burden during severe recession.  Observational

GMP criteria in relation to new EPA proposed nutrient criteria for Florida, impact,
fiscal

ü  Harper analysis expanded beyond just nitrates
phosphates.

Need more efficient water management of rural areas east of 951 to prevent
flooding and being rezoned to flood area.  Observational

The new Flood Insurance is unacceptable.  Observational

The County should protest FIRM.  Observational

If flooding is a problem, don’t allow additional buildings and asphalt 
(which can impact their neighbors).  Observational

Ditches and swales are not being cleaned and cleared; and driveways do not 
have proper culverts.  Programmatic

Standing water only 3 times (’95, ’06 and ’08) the same time the county took readings. 
Programmatic

County Government has failed to implement the Watershed Management Plan into
which all other Construction and Coastal Elements,   Goals and Objectives were
to be involved. Observational - Objective 2.1 Conservation and Coastal
Management Element

Disappointed with County’s failure to put the ’89 GMOP LDC into place in a
timely manner. Observational

County has failed to address sustainability and quality of life for all resources.
Observational
Why don’t the 6 tables and major issues address the EAR required by the whole
GMP?  Observational

The ’89 GMP required that all aspects will be evaluated, watershed by watershed

ü  Where is that guidance?

All development in the urban zones and outside should be considered and evaluated
after each watershed and its characteristics were developed. Objective 2.1 Conservation
& Coastal Management Element

Failed to put into place a Watershed Management Plan.  Objective 2.1 Conservation
& Coastal Management Element

Dropping water table in GG Estates, GG Estates water resources are being used by
City and other areas without benefit to GG Estates.  Observational

Re-use water – can it be turned into a drinking water source?  Potential waste of 
re-use water is a concern (If there is no demand, why pay for treatment?) Policy 1.1
Potable Water Sub-Element.

PUBLIC COMMENTS
January 25, 2010 - North Collier Regional Park

 
URBAN DEVELOPMENT PATTERNS

Encourage smart growth principles – mixed use, urban infill, walkable communities,
alternate transportation modes, and more green space. Objective 7 of the Future
Land Use Element

Encourage “experimental” zoning – cluster housing in single-family zoning, 
guesthouse permanent occupancy. Policy 5.6 of the Future Land Use Element

County should create Walk only districts – by design or retroactively (close off streets) –
and not limited to commercial areas. Policy 1.1 of the Future Land Use Element

County should Reserve right-of-way for light rail. Objective 6 of the Future Land
Use Element and Objective 4 of the Transportation Element

Elements of the GMP need allow and encourage parking spaces for compact and
micro cars – with parking space credit. Land Development Code

County should be recognizing LEED principles (Leadership in Energy and
Environmental Design) Green Building Rating System^TM of sustainable green building
and development practices and eliminating code barriers to using alternative (green)
building materials. Objective 6 of the Economic Element

County should be recognizing LEED principles (Leadership in Energy and
Environmental Design) Green Building Rating System^TM of sustainable green
building and development practices. Objective 6 of the Economic Element

Regarding Item No. 2 (above) –Change the TDR program to require use of TDR’s to
obtain additional density (cluster housing, guesthouses). Policy 5.3 of the Future
Land Use Element

Elements of the GMP need to provide more incentive for non-motorized
(or Mass Transit) development. Objective 12 of the Transportation Element

TRANSPORTATION

County not adhering to Greenway Interconnectivity Policy 4.2 of Transportation
Element - the County “shall provide an interconnected and continuous bicycle and
pedestrian system by constructing improvements identified on the 2030 Pathway
Facilities Map series as funds permit”. Policy 4.2 of Transportation Element

County should be studying ideas for a 5-Year work program for pathways
(no current program). Policy 4.5 of the Transportation Element

County not adhering to Policy 4.7 of Transportation Element – bike lanes included
in resurfacing projects - the County “shall incorporate bike lanes in roadway resurfacing
projects as is physically possible and will not result in a safety or operational problem”.
Policy 4.7 of Transportation Element

Intergovernmental cooperation involving the County not strong enough to achieve the
intended functional sidewalk/path Interconnectivity with school property (pathways).
Objective 4 of Transportation Element

County should be studying ideas to allocate existing lanes to public transit, including
dedicated transit lanes, restricted SOV lanes, carpool lanes, etc... Objective 12 of
Transportation Element

County not offering adequate access to Mass Transit, including enhanced routes,
dedicated mass transit lanes, etc… Policy 12.10 of Transportation Element

County not doing enough to require mix of land uses. Policy 5.6 of the Future Land
Use Element

RFMUD – (Rural Fringe Mixed Use District)

Adjustment to Transfer of Development Rights (2005) program not producing
desired result. Wholesale comment on Overlay

Application process for severances & transfers not fair to all receiving agencies.
Land Development Code

Need more specifics of Land Management Plan required for TDR credit No.3.
Cost associated with severance process prohibited. Land Development Code

The County should develop a unified LMP for area. Future Land Use Element –
Rural Fringe Mixed Use District Overlay

County should be studying ideas for TDR’s to be applied beyond RFMUD. Future
Land Use Element – Rural Fringe Mixed Use District Overlay-Additional TDR
Provisions

County should be studying ideas to have a TDR education program.  Programmatic
TDR’s should be open to be used in Urban Area. Future Land Use Element –
Rural Fringe Mixed Use District Overlay-Additional TDR Provisions

Look at Marion County TDR Program. Informational

RLSA –(Rural Lands Stewardship Area)

County should be studying impacts of RLSA potential development and their
effect on Estates (i.e. ground water, drainage, long-term effects). Policy 3.1
of Future Land Use Element – Rural Lands Stewardship Area Overlay

LRTP not showing specifics of RLSA.  Informational
County Government not providing awareness of development schedule of
C.R. 951.    Informational

AFFORDABLE HOUSING

County does not do enough to provide housing opportunities in close proximity
to employment centers. Policy 1.4 of the Housing Element

County does not do enough to encourage or mandate workforce housing
component for development. Policy 1.3 of the Housing Element

Waivers for impact fees for affordable housing projects. Policy 2.10 of the
Housing Element

County does not sufficiently address low income housing (provide incentives).
Policy 2.3 of the Housing Element

County should provide land for affordable housing. Policy 2.10 of the Housing
Element

County should be studying ideas for multiple units on single-family lots. Future
Land Use
Designation Description Section – Density Rating System

County should be studying ideas for lofts above garages, etc. to provide
affordable housing opportunities. Future Land Use Designation Description Section –
Density Rating System

Coordinate transportation network with location of affordable housing units. Policy 1.4
of the Housing Element

CLIMATE CHANGE

County should be studying ideas to target Green House Gas sources – besides
transportation

County should be studying ideas to address lack of energy efficiency plans

County should be studying ideas to address need to plan for Sea Level Rise

County should be studying ideas to access & connect State Parks with County Network

WATER RESOURCE PROTECTION

County should re-evaluate monitoring and maintenance procedures for nutrient   
loads/pollution/water quality. Objective 1 of the Drainage Sub-Element

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