We, the undersigned residents of Andrew Drive, the Wilmer Heights neighborhood, and surrounding Naples/Collier County areas, respectfully ask the Collier County Board of County Commissioners to DENY the requested Growth Management Plan amendment and rezoning of 2632 and 2647 Andrew Drive that would allow these existing residential properties to be incorporated into the proposed commercial/mixed-use development at 3091 Tamiami Trail East.

We support responsible redevelopment and recognize the need for workforce housing. However, this proposal would permanently change the established land-use pattern of our neighborhood and create significant impacts for existing homeowners.

FIVE REASONS TO DENY THE REZONING

1. PROTECT THE EXISTING RESIDENTIAL LAND-USE PATTERN
Andrew Drive is an established residential neighborhood. Existing homeowners purchased their homes relying upon the County's adopted land-use and zoning framework. The County's rezoning criteria specifically require consideration of the existing land-use pattern and whether a proposed change is appropriate in relation to surrounding districts.

2. DO NOT TURN RESIDENTIAL PROPERTY INTO COMMERCIAL EXPANSION
The developer already owns the commercial property on Tamiami Trail East. The requested rezoning would allow the developer to incorporate two residential Andrew Drive properties into the larger commercial/mixed-use project. This is not simply redevelopment of a commercial property - it is the expansion of commercial intensity into an established residential area.

3. PROTECT OUR HOMES FROM FLOODING AND DRAINAGE IMPACTS
The proposed development would dramatically increase impervious surfaces, including buildings and parking. Existing homeowners have already experienced the vulnerability of this area during major storms. The County's rezoning criteria specifically require consideration of whether a proposed change will create a drainage problem. We ask the Board to require convincing, site-specific evidence that this rezoning will not increase flooding or stormwater impacts on neighboring homes.

4. CONSIDER TRAFFIC, SEWER, STORMWATER AND OTHER INFRASTRUCTURE
A restaurant combined with 30 residential units represents a substantial increase in intensity compared with the existing residential use. The County's regulations require consideration of traffic, adequate public facilities and services, drainage, utilities and public safety. These impacts will not remain confined to the development—they will affect neighboring properties, including ours. 

5. DO NOT CREATE A PRECEDENT FOR COMMERCIAL ENCROACHMENT
If residential properties can be rezoned simply because a developer has assembled adjoining commercial property and wants a larger project, what protects the next residential property - and the next neighborhood? The County's Land Development Code expressly recognizes the importance of maintaining the character and stability of present and future land uses and avoiding the overcrowding of land and undue concentration of population. We ask the Board not to establish a precedent that residential neighborhoods can become extensions of commercial corridors whenever a private development would benefit.

WE ASK THE BOARD TO DENY PL20240010093

We respectfully urge the Commissioners to uphold the County's adopted planning principles, protect existing homeowners, and preserve the residential character of Wilmer Heights and Andrew Drive.