Public hearing set on proposed 4,500-home Corkscrew Grove East development in Collier County

COLLIER COUNTY, Fla. —

Collier County commissioners are holding a public hearing Tuesday on a major proposed development in eastern Collier County that could bring more than 4,500 homes to land near Corkscrew Road and State Road 82.

The project, known as Corkscrew Grove East Village, would allow up to 4,502 residential units on 1,446.59 acres, according to county documents. Plans also include commercial space, a school site, parks and affordable housing.

County records show 362 units would be designated as affordable housing. The proposal also includes more than 500 acres of open space.

The development has drawn opposition from environmental advocates, who say the project would place thousands of homes near important Florida panther habitat and could increase traffic dangers for wildlife.

“The panthers are really being squeezed by many, many factors and their habitat is running out,” said Matthew Schwartz, executive director of the South Florida Wildlands Association.

Schwartz also raised concerns about additional traffic in the area.

“They're already getting killed in this area. But adding thousands of new homes and thousands of new cars just exacerbates the situation,” he said.

County staff reports say wildlife protections are included in the proposal. Documents mention land preservation through the Rural Lands Stewardship program, buffer areas and two planned wildlife crossings.

The developer, Alico Inc., has been contacted for comment but has not yet responded.

Commissioners are expected to hear the item during their Tuesday meeting starting at 9 a.m.

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