The Lee County Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) held a zoning hearing on November 6, 2024, focusing on a significant amendment to land use in the Burnt Store Planning District. The meeting centered around a privately initiated small-scale amendment, identified as CPA 2023-00010, which proposes changing approximately 38 acres from open lands and wetlands to a central urban designation.

This amendment aims to facilitate higher intensity residential development in a growing corridor along Burnt Store Road, located about one mile south of the Charlotte County line. The proposed changes align with similar adjustments made in neighboring Cape Coral and Charlotte County, which are also increasing development intensity in the area. The Cape Coral City Council had previously planned to adopt a related measure, but it was withdrawn due to procedural issues.

Joe Saracino from the planning section presented the amendment, highlighting that the area has adequate public services, including sewer, water, and emergency services, to support the proposed development. The Florida Department of Transportation is also planning to widen Burnt Store Road, with design completion expected by the end of 2024, further supporting the area's growth potential.

The amendment is consistent with the county's goals for residential development outside of high hazard coastal areas and is supported by the Lee County Planning Agency (LPA). Following the presentation, the board moved to approve the amendment, with one commissioner noting previous concerns about encroaching into green areas but ultimately supporting the measure due to its alignment with prior decisions.

No public comments were made during the hearing, and the board's approval marks a significant step in accommodating anticipated population growth in the region.