Bonita Springs zoning board backs Rivanna Lakes rezoning, 5–2, forwarding annexation and comp‑plan changes

The Bonita Springs Zoning Board voted 5–2 to recommend approval of the Rivanna Lakes Mixed‑Use Plan Development rezoning, sending a package that includes annexation and a comprehensive plan amendment to the City Council for a joint hearing in January.

Alexis Crespo, the land‑use planner for the applicant, told the board the proposal would rezone about 204 acres along Bonita Beach Road to a mixed‑use plan development allowing a maximum of 299 dwelling units (about 1.4 units per acre) and roughly 100,000 square feet of neighborhood commercial uses. Crespo said the applicant, Seagate Development, has agreed to more than 30 staff conditions and seeks eight deviations — including allowing two existing deep mining lakes to remain at 40 feet, permitting model homes for up to five years and reducing parking requirements for a private amenity center.

City staff and the applicant emphasized the project’s environmental and infrastructure commitments.…