Lee County committees review draft land use element of Horizon 2035 Lee Plan this month

As we reported in our March blog story, County staff and its committees continue to work through the elements of the Comp Plan Horizon 2035 update, with the current focus on the important land use element.  This month BikeWalkLee provided comments on the land use element for consideration by both the LPA and CSAC.  Integration of land use and transportation planning is key to complete streets and complete communities, so these two elements are a major focus of BikeWalkLee's attention. 

On March 19th, Lee County’s proposed new Land Use Element , including the current and proposed Land Use Map, was released.  This draft is the culmination of an extensive effort that began with the formulation and adoption of the County’s Comprehensive Plan Evaluation and Appraisal Report, March, 2011.   Proposed changes to Land Use Categories densities, intensities, and locations may be of particular interest to planning communities, as well as policies that help define the character and context of development in specific places. 

Staff Report, Proposed Land Use Element; Proposed Map, Current Map:

Additional information on the entire comprehensive plan update can be found here:

BikeWalkLee's comments on the land use element.

There are a number of ways you may participate in the public review of these elements:

• The Local Planning Agency had an overview presentation and discussion about the draft Land Use Element at its March 25th meeting.  There will be a detailed discussion at the April 22nd meeting, 8:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., and the public is invited to come to that meeting and make public comments.   Note that this meeting will be held in a different location: Conference Room 1(first floor) in the County Administration building on 2115 Second Street, Fort Myers.  Groups and individuals are encouraged to submit their written comments or statements in advance of the April 22nd meeting to LPA@leegov.com, and staff will distribute to LPA members.  
•  The Community Sustainability Advisory Committee will review the draft at their meeting on April 17, 2013.  The meeting starts 6:00 pm, 1^st floor County Administration Building Conference Room; or
•  Participate in the online public forum.
•  In addition, County staff will be presenting the land use element to each of the Community Planning Panels at their regularly scheduled meetings between now and May, and members of those communities are encouraged to attend those meetings.  Check with your local planning panel for details, and click here for the schedule of presentations.