Collier County community residents fight golf poles built without permits near homes

COLLIER COUNTY, Fla. —

A dispute over massive golf barrier poles in the Quail Creek community of Collier County is moving to the next stage after a county advisory subcommittee recommended approval of taller containment barriers.

The 63-foot poles rise behind homes in Quail Creek, where some residents say they have been looking at the structure for the past two years.

For some homeowners, the biggest concern is not just the view, but what they believe the poles have done to their property values.

Becky Hundley, a former homeowner in the community, said her home sat on the market for 18 months and ultimately sold for half price.

"I can't do anything about what we got for our house, but for my neighbors who still have homes in here and still will be affected when they go to sell," Hundley said.

Other residents said the towering poles have changed the character of the neighborhood.

“We tried to call the club to tell them this is horrifying to us. I mean, it just looks horrific,” homeowner Letitia Accarrino said.

Her husband, Frank Accarrino, said the issue has dragged on too long.

“We've gone more than 700 days, maybe 730 today, without this being resolved,” he said. “It is kind of odd and demonstrates the lack of concern they have for the affected residents.”

Collier County said the poles went up after the property owner hired an unlicensed contractor who began work without permits.

Code Enforcement later issued a Stop Work Order and opened a case that is still pending.

Meanwhile, the county’s Development Services Advisory Committee Land Development Review Subcommittee recommended approval of Quail Creek Country Club’s proposal that would change county rules and allow taller golf ball containment barriers, up to 70 feet.

The same panel also recommended denying a competing proposal filed by homeowners that would have made the heights 35 feet.

In a statement to Gulf Coast News, Quail Creek Country Club General Manager Chris Evans said:

“Driving range errant golf ball containment barriers are a critical component of safe golf course operation. While the Collier County Land Development Code does not address this safety feature, numerous containment barriers are located on other golf courses in Collier County and a containment barrier was approved for the Collier County golf course, The Gate. Quail Creek is committed to the safety of its golfers and its neighbors and is seeking to correct, with standards, a missing piece in the County's Code.”

Some residents said they support safety measures, but want a compromise.

“I would just like them to figure out a way to make it safe and effective, and a little less aesthetically displeasing, maybe,” Dana Sturdevant said.

Her husband, Michael Sturdevant, said neighbors were hoping for a middle ground.

“We just think we could come to some kind of agreement on a more appropriate height and some landscaping for the poles,” he said. "The fact that we haven’t been brought into the process at all or asked anything about how we feel about the policy, it’s been disappointing."

The full Development Services Advisory Committee is scheduled to take up the issue on May 6.

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