02/22/2024
Urgent action needed as Residential rezoning marches forward...we must unite to end this now!
Please help reject the proposed new apartment complex called Mattson Project located on the north side of Vanderbilt Beach Road east of Livingston. It calls for 150 new housing units on 5.8 acres of land.
A. There are apparently no plans for retention facilities to handle heavy runoff of rainwater from buildings and parking lots. This could overwhelm the storm sewer system and result in widespread flooding and backups.
B. The developers are using the "affordable housing" loophole as a method of getting around county zoning ordinances. This area is zoned for low density housing. Mattson intends to rent to people who work and commute. The renters will be subjected to:
1. Increased housing density from 60 dwelling units allowable to 150.
2. Reduced amount of usable open space from 60% required to just 40%.
3. Reduced requirement for trees.
4. Reduced parking.
A longtime resident writes:
"Mattson’s justification for increasing the density relies on its illusory promise to devote 30% of units to income restricted affordable housing. Mattson admits that only the first renters who occupy the affordable housing set-aside units must qualify as a first responder, teacher, etc. Once those renters leave (and renters do not stay long), Mattson will be free to rent to whomever they please without restriction. They promise to advertise to the target audience, but they do not promise to rent to such people, thereby completely defeating their justification. Renters do not stay long term. This is an example of the government attempting to fix a problem (insufficient housing for service providers) that will have a very short life in practice. Personally, although I understand the need to let people live near their places of employment, such conditions are not a guarantee in life. When I entered the workforce, I commuted 1.5 hours each way into the city of Chicago for employment for years because I could not afford housing in the city center. And I am not alone in this experience. No one is guaranteed housing just down the road from a beautiful beach, in the center of an attractive area close to his/her place of employment."
It's extremely important that the Collier County Commissioners hear from a large number of concerned residents.
PLEASE email the Board of Commissioners before the February 27, 2024 public hearing.
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