Village Council has taken action to preserve nature, enhance recreation and address flooding in Estero.
At a recent meeting, council unanimously approved three agreements with the Lee County School Board, including one for the purchase of 69 acres of undeveloped land on Three Oaks Parkway for $15 million.
The other two agreements involve leasing land next to Estero High School for the creation of a new park.
On the land it plans to purchase, the village will establish two ponds to address stormwater and flooding concerns, using money it already has in its budget for capital improvements.
The school district once planned to build a Pre-K-8 school on the site to accommodate 1,600 students, with the ability to expand.
Although village council approved the school in 2021, the project faced opposition from many residents, who raised concerns about its impact on traffic and the environment. The property at 20897 Three Oaks Parkway has a few acres of what has been described as “high- and medium-quality wetlands” on it.