Planning Panel approves Heritage expansion
The North Fort Myers Community Planning Panel have given its nod to a planned expansion to the 30-year old community called the Heritage, a 55+ community just off U.S. 41 northbound near Del Prado Boulevard.
Peter Van Rens, of Kimley-Horn & Associates, the consultant on the project, said the plan is to add approximate 122 sites to the 450 there now. There also will be a new, gated access point on Del Prado, improvements to the clubhouse, the paving of the cart path on the golf course, expansion to the pool deck, and more.
The Heritage opened in 1989 and will have 950 sites when built out. The homes are between 1,200 and 1,500 square feet on 50-foot by 100-foot lots. The land is leased at between $600 and $800 per month. Newer homes can be bought for just over $50,000. Amenities include a pool, fitness center, golf course, a lake for stormwater runoff, and a clubhouse.
The planned addition will be on the eastern portion of the property adjacent to the developed area. It will be served by central water and sewer, and much of the northern part of the property is preserve.
Trees are being considered for buffering, but they are also considering a fence.
The project is expected to be completed in 14 to 18 months, in time for the 2021 tourist season, Van Rens said, who added it is part of making improvements to the entire facility.
“We’ve been looking around and seeing what’s a better use of that space. Instead of expanding to expand, getting the right renovation to that club house, a new fitness center and maximizing everything in there,” Van Rens said.
The planning panel had some questions regarding the second ingress-egress on Del Prado. Van Rens said it will provide great relief to those on the far end.
“It will be quite an improvement. Those in the back end of the development would prefer not to have to drive all the way around the property,” Van Rens said before the panel unanimously approved the proposal.