Gateway neighbors concerned over possible FPL transmission line project near homes

GATEWAY, Fla. (WINK) — People who live in Gateway say they’re worried a possible new FPL transmission line project could dramatically change the look and feel of their community.

Neighbors tell WINK News they’re concerned about potential tree removal, visual impacts, property values, and continued development in one of Southwest Florida’s fastest-growing areas.

The concerns started after some residents received a letter from Florida Power & Light earlier this year outlining plans for a possible second transmission line through an existing easement stretching from Orange River Boulevard in Fort Myers to Lamm Road in Immokalee.

According to the letter, the project would help strengthen the electric grid and improve reliability during storms.

But residents say the notice raised more questions than answers.

Walking through the wooded area behind Hampton Park and along Gateway Linear Park, neighbors pointed out trees marked with orange paint that they believe could eventually be removed if the project moves forward.

“This is Gateway Linear Park — a place people walk, bike, and enjoy nature,” resident Lindsey Cooney told WINK News. “If they’re just going to keep taking down trees and keep building and keep expanding roads, it’s just never-ending.”

Cooney, who also owns The Cocoon Spa in Bonita Springs, says she moved to Gateway about eight years ago because of the quiet atmosphere and natural surroundings.

“The serenity, the quiet, that it's away from everything,” Cooney said. “That’s what drew me here.”

She says over the years she’s already watched more development move into the area — and worries this project could continue changing the character of the community.

“I don't know how many more apartment complexes we need, how many more homes, how many more gated home associations,” Cooney said. “I don't know how much more we need.”

Other neighbors are concerned about how close the possible transmission lines could be to homes.

“I honestly didn't think it was a reality,” said Yoav Diamond, vice president of the Hampton Park HOA.

Diamond says many neighbors first learned about the project through the FPL letter sent back in February.

“That is the only notice that we've received so far,” Diamond said. “No mass communication has been given.”

He says residents are now worried about what the project could mean for their quality of life and home values.

“I think that this project is going to have implications on visuals, also people's home values,” Diamond said.

Gateway Community Services District told WINK News they are also trying to get more information from FPL.

District leaders say that while Gateway owns portions of the land, FPL has an easement on the property, limiting what the district can control.

In an email to WINK News, district management said they are escalating concerns with FPL and trying to organize a town hall meeting for residents.

“Unfortunately, it seems to be falling on deaf ears,” the district manager wrote in part.

Diamond says he believes Gateway should be more transparent with residents, even if FPL has the easement.

“They should be aware of what’s going on,” Diamond said. “They’re a government organization, they’re funded by the people. They should be aware and be informative to the people who pay their salaries.”

He says residents should not have to chase down answers themselves.

“To just be left in the dark is kind of… it’s not right in my opinion,” Diamond said.

FPL told WINK News the project is still in very early planning phases, which is why residents have not received additional information yet.

The company says it is working on an official statement about the project.