Estero leaders move forward on riverfront development and driving range plans, sparking debate over growth

ESTERO, Fla. (WINK)— Big changes could be coming to a quiet stretch of land along the Estero River, but not everyone agrees on what that future should look like.

Village leaders are moving forward with early discussions on two major projects: a mixed-use development just north of Estero River Park and a new driving range at the village’s growing sports and entertainment campus.

The first project focuses on about 32 acres of village-owned land north of the river. Leaders say the goal is to transform that space into a mix of single-family homes, along with shops and restaurants, creating a walkable destination for both residents and visitors.

Right now, plans are still in the early stages. Village staff and consultants say they don’t want to get too specific yet, instead allowing developers to bring forward ideas the council can consider. Early estimates suggest the site could include around 50 to 100 homes, designed as a lower-density, higher-end community.

At the same time, leaders want to preserve access along the river. Plans discussed during the meeting included maintaining space for walking and biking trails to improve connectivity across the area and link with nearby paths.

The goal isn’t just development, it’s also financial. Leaders say creating a mixed-use destination could bring in revenue to help offset the cost of maintaining Estero River Park across the water.

But even at this early stage, the discussion revealed a clear divide among leaders. One of the biggest questions is whether the community should be gated.

Some council members pushed back on that idea, saying a gated neighborhood could limit access and go against the vision of creating a walkable, connected space where people can move freely between the park, trails, and surrounding areas.

Others said a gated, low-density development could make more sense for the area and align with what buyers may expect, especially if the homes are higher-end.

Leaders also pointed out challenges tied to the land itself, including flood zone restrictions near the river and the need to carefully plan how people would move through the space.

At the same time, the village is also moving forward with plans for a new driving range at its sports park campus. Officials say the goal is to create a year-round recreational amenity that adds to the area’s growing list of entertainment options.

Unlike venues like Topgolf, leaders emphasized this would be a more traditional driving range, built on grass and focused on practice rather than a large-scale entertainment experience. The facility would likely include shot-tracking technology but avoid the high-rise netting and game-style setup seen at larger commercial venues.

Leaders are now deciding whether to partner with a private company to build and operate the driving range or have the village own it and bring in a professional operator. There is already strong interest in the project, with some leaders saying they want to see it open as soon as possible after nearby developments are completed.

For people who live nearby, the plans bring mixed reactions.

Clark Mackenzi, who lives across the street from the proposed development site, says he’s concerned about the direction growth is taking in Estero.

“We need more working-class housing… not just homes for rich people,” he said.

He also worries about losing the natural environment that once defined the area.

“Every empty lot is now houses… I want to see a turtle. I used to see bobcats around here, not anymore.”

Others say growth is inevitable, and in some ways, necessary.

Jeannie, who has been coming to Estero for more than 35 years, says she’s seen the area transform from quiet roads and open land into a much more developed community.

“I’m mixed on it,” she said. “The village has done a really good job of pre-planning… so I’m confident it’ll be good.”

Still, she acknowledges the tradeoffs, including more traffic and less green space.

“I’m a nature lover… I’m disappointed when I see the trees knocked down,” she said.

No final decisions have been made on either project. Village leaders agreed to continue exploring both ideas, gather feedback, and work with potential development partners before bringing forward more concrete plans.