Bonita Springs approves one‑time fund release to six communities after stormwater project lowered lake levels

The City Council approved a one‑time release of funds to compensate six communities that reported dramatically lower private pond levels after regional stormwater improvements tied into their systems.

Council member Chris Corey and city staff described how modifications made during the regional stormwater project restored system function to design elevations and, in several private pond systems, produced lower standing levels than residents had come to expect. Staff said the lower control elevations and small bleeder openings in some private ponds can allow slow drawdown and that a one‑time funding approach would allow communities to restore the exposed shorelines with plantings, turf or other treatments.

Staff presented a standardized approach based on a 4:1 slope with a 12‑foot planting strip as an example of an allowable use of funds but said each community could choose how to use its allocation. City staff and the city attorney noted that the city must avoid directing private owners to hold water higher than permitted by their stormwater design or private permits and that any request for changes to private permits would be a separate process.

Council made and seconded a motion to approve the release of funds and the motion carried on roll-call vote.

Staff said documentation and legal clarifications would be prepared to ensure the payment is a one‑time corrective measure tied to the City's capital improvement project and that future private‑system changes would be the owners' responsibility.