“NEW PROPOSED DEVELOPMENT & WHY IT MATTERS”
By: Kelly Williams, Rotonda West Resident
As you may have heard, there are new development projects that have been proposed for the lots that surround Parade Circle. But, did you know that if these projects move forward as is, it will negatively impact every single resident in Rotonda West?
Much like most of you, I hadn’t heard anything about these projects until very recently. But, I wasn’t worried because I assumed that the zoning laws and permit requirements would protect the consistency of the design and character of our neighborhood. Unfortunately, that is NOT what’s happening.
In the past 3 ½ years, there have been at least 4 proposed development projects that have applied for permits to build on the wooded lots that surround Parade Circle. Although the original vision for these lots was retail, restaurants, and hotels to serve the residents of Rotonda West, every current project consists only of multifamily units. This, in and of itself, is not an issue. What IS concerning to me as a resident is that these new residential properties are currently exempt from our deed restrictions, and the zoning allowances and permit requirements for these lots are broad, have no protections in place to ensure the design and density of units will fit the current character of Rotonda West, and do NOT require public hearings for community input.
As a result, a voluntary group of residents have gotten together and created a grassroots research team in order to learn about every aspect of these projects. In the process, we have found several issues with the current proposal for The Quarters at Rotonda, a 212-unit multifamily project between Long Meadow, Broadmoor, and Parade Circle, that includes affordable housing. These concerns include traffic, drainage, endangered species, density, and compatibility with Rotonda West deed restrictions. Our group’s goal is for each subcommittee to research their specific topic of concern and present those findings to Charlotte County to encourage their scrutiny of this project. We are also working with the Rotonda West Association to spread awareness to our entire community.
In the meantime, we need your help! If you have any expertise to share, or you’re passionate about preserving the charm of our community, we need you . Please consider joining us in our mission to learn, understand, and become advocates for the future of Rotonda West. Here’s how: Sign our petition regarding this project and get regular updates. Follow our Facebook page “Change for Rotonda West?”, join, and feel free to send a direct message. And, be on the lookout for the upcoming information/update meeting in April. We look forward to sharing our passion with all of you!
Contact Email: ChangeForRotondaWest@gmail.com