A new 18-acre school campus is under construction in Golden Gate (Urban Estates), and while school leaders call it a long-awaited opportunity, neighbors are calling it an ambush. Mason Classical Academy (MCA), a charter school, plans on serving about 1,500 students from grades K-8.
The community around 7th Avenue Northwest is fuming.
"Mason Academy never operated in good faith as far as we were concerned on this," resident Richard Conover said. "They kept everything secret until it was too late for anything to be done."
The backlash has grown into an organized Facebook group and an onslaught of protest signs — some vulgar — posted along the road. Residents have voiced concerns about traffic, displaced wildlife and the loss of peace and quiet. Others worry about personal gun ranges, which are no longer allowed, since some homes are within 1,000 feet of the construction site. Ownership and shooting within that distance are a violation of state law.
"They put a school here with 1,500 children and they expect everybody to stop shooting? Good luck. Everyone's angry, but what can you do? You're not going to fight City Hall," said Kenneth Beach, who owns a private range on his property.
As Gulf Coast News took video of the construction site, numerous neighbors voiced their frustrations with the project.
"It's no longer peaceful anymore," said Madison Flahtery. "It's now disruptive. It's really a shame."
"We are very disappointed. The whole street is very disappointed," added Maristella Galliccio.
Mason Classical Academy Executive Director David Hull said the project meets zoning requirements and is already moving forward.
"We are thrilled and humbled to have the opportunity to bring this state-of-the-art campus to more students throughout Collier County," Hull said in a statement to Gulf Coast News. "We have always been an A-rated school with an extensive wait list, so there is high demand for our traditional, classical education."
The money, which is funded by bonds, includes a 108,000-square-foot building, a three-lane car loop, a soccer field, play areas and parking. It will replace the school’s current elementary campus on Horseshoe Drive.
"We are aware of the opposition and understand their concerns. We look forward to being good neighbors and having a friendly relationship with all of them," Hull said.
Mason is also finishing construction on a new gymnasium and five classrooms at its high school campus inside the former Hodges University building off Immokalee Road. That facility is expected to open in August 2025 and will allow the school to double its high school enrollment from 250 to 500 students.
The campus on 7th Avenue Northwest is expected to open in August 2026.
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