PUNTA GORDA, Fla. (WINK) — Charlotte County commissioners plan to settle a lawsuit next week by buying back a property for $130,000 after a buyer claimed he was charged exorbitant fees.
The dispute started after Michael Colisi bought the five-acre property in 2024 with plans to build a home. After the purchase, he learned he would have to pay a $120,000 Habitat Conservation Plan fee because the county classified the land as protected Florida scrub-jay habitat.
In the lawsuit, Colisi's attorneys argued the property's tall pines and thick palmetto make it unsuitable for scrub-jays. They said development would have little impact on the species.
Under the proposed settlement, county commissioners are expected to buy the property back for $130,000 and pay an additional $10,000 in legal fees. The item will come before commissioners next Tuesday at 9 a.m.
Neighbor Cathie Skoog said she feels for Colisi after what she calls a long and expensive fight. She also said she's content with the area staying rural.
"I just wish the owner of the property the best of luck. I know it was an uphill battle for him, but we would have loved to have had him as a neighbor," Skoog said. "But we understand the cost become prohibitive, especially when you're building a house and you have all the other things you have to do, it gets expensive."
The county has not disclosed where the $130,000 to buy back the property would come from. Both the county and Colisi declined to comment publicly because of a clause in the agreement.
The property is located on Bending Willow Court in Punta Gorda.
