Lee County commissioners approved a plan for 1,100 new homes in rural Alva despite years of pushback from neighbors. Fox 4’s Austin Schargorodski went to the old Lee County Courthouse, where residents made their case one last time, saying developments like this will change Alva forever.
They saddled up to make a statement. Some of the people pushing back on the development brought their horses to Downtown Fort Myers for the meeting. Sue Koffman told me it was a symbol of their rural life at risk. Watch what Alva residents told Austin:
APPROVED: Lee Co. backs 1,100-home development in Alva despite years of pushback
She worries more homes mean more traffic, strained infrastructure, and a threat to wildlife. “That’s why we’re here. This isn’t an ideal place to have a horse, but if it’s the only place we have, we’re gonna’ come,” said Koffman
More than 30 people spoke out at Wednesday’s meeting. “This is not responsible planning. This is reckless over-development that puts profit over people,” said Amanda Cochran.
Austin first reported on this project in 2023, when the group Alva Strong petitioned against it, saying: “You’re not just changing the density, you’re changing the identity of the area.”…