On Wednesday, the Punta Gorda City Council voted to approve an amended version of it’s comprehensive plan, detailing future growth and development expectations.
Required for all cities in Florida these plans must be approved by state officials.
On Dec. 18, 2023 – the city received objections , comments and recommendations, from the Bureau of Planning and Growth on its draft of the plan. Once that document was received by the city, it started a 180 day timer for the council to vote an an amended version.
At Wednesday’s council meeting, all council members except District 3 councilwoman Deborah Lux voted to approve the new version of the plan.
Prior to the vote, approximately a dozen residents spoke against the comprehensive plan, many saying the potential for dense development the plan allows for could ruin the city’s small town allure.
“I have seen it change a lot, I’m not against development but i do not agree with the redefinition of our city and what it looks like,” said Jeannine Polk.