Bonavie Cove residents oppose Costco entrances on Plantation Road during Lee County meeting

During the recent Lee County Board of County Commissioners (BoCC) meeting, significant concerns were raised regarding the proposed Costco project set to be built between Metro Parkway, Colonial Boulevard, and Plantation Road. Residents from the Bonavie Cove gated community voiced their apprehensions about the project's potential impact on local traffic and residential areas.

The speaker highlighted that the main and secondary entrances for the Costco project are planned for Plantation Road, a Lee County-maintained road. They referenced the Lee County Land Development Code, which mandates that all planned developments must ensure access to existing or proposed roads without disrupting predominantly residential areas. With over 2,450 residents and numerous gated communities along Plantation Road, the speaker argued that the proposed entrances would directly affect the quality of life for local residents.

Concerns were also raised about the anticipated increase in traffic due to the closure of Costco's old location, which would redirect customers to the new site. The speaker emphasized that the main entrance's location directly across from a residential community would exacerbate traffic issues. They proposed that the main entrance be relocated to Metro Parkway, a commercial area better suited for handling increased traffic volumes.

The speaker's appeal to the Lee County Commissioners and the Department of Transportation was clear: they urged officials to reconsider the planned entrances on Plantation Road and instead direct traffic to Metro Parkway. This shift, they argued, would alleviate potential burdens on residential areas and ensure compliance with local development codes.

As discussions continue, the community remains vigilant, advocating for their interests and seeking a resolution that prioritizes both development and the well-being of local residents. The outcome of this project will likely have lasting implications for traffic patterns and community dynamics in the area.