Bonita Springs LPA votes 5-1 against recommending Ravana Lakes land‑use change, citing water and traffic concerns

The Bonita Springs Local Planning Agency voted 5‑1 on Aug. 28, 2025, to recommend that City Council deny a comprehensive plan amendment requested for the Ravana Lakes project, a proposal to redesignate about 204.5 acres north of Bonita Beach Road to allow up to 299 dwelling units and neighborhood commercial uses.

The proposal, presented by Seagate Development Group and its consultant team, sought to convert land currently mapped as Lee County DRGR (Density Reduction/Groundwater Resource) and wetlands into the City of Bonita Springs Urban Fringe Community District and Resource Protection future land use categories. Applicant representatives said they had reduced residential density from an earlier 388‑unit proposal to 299 units and secured an Environmental Resource Permit from the South Florida Water Management District for a stormwater plan that routes treated runoff to the Keel Canal.

LPA members and public speakers focused on flood risk, groundwater recharge and traffic. The agency’s recommendation—advisory to City Council—was based on concerns that the change would be inconsistent with surrounding DRGR-designated lands and…