Protection sought against mining - Request to join west-based community panel gets sticky

By Denise L. Scott The News-Press June 18, 2006
 
 
Some east Estero residents are hopeful that west Estero neighbors can lend strength to their battle against mines along Corkscrew Road.

Three properties on the north side of Corkscrew east of Alico Road are in the early stages of Lee County's rezoning process to allow mining operations.

The largest property is 1,356 acres across from Six L's Farms Road, owned by the local Youngquist Brothers and two east coast partners.

It is being proposed for up to eight years of fill dirt mining without blasting as Corkscrew Excavation. The land would then be developed into a subdivision of 135 2-acre lots around a 600- to 700-acre lake.

Farther east, Golfrock LLC owns 255 acres proposed for 10 years of rock mining — with blasting — followed by development of a 24-home subdivision.

Just beyond Golfrock is the existing Westwind Mine. East of that is Estero Group Ltd. of Naples' proposed 318 acres of fill dirt mining without blasting.

They are all outside the boundaries of the Estero Planning Community, which has stricter development standards than other unincorporated areas of the county.

Some rural residents want to be annexed into the Estero Community Planning Panel boundaries for greater political influence and protection against mines' dump truck traffic, noise, dust and in some instances, blasting.

Panel Chairman Neal Noethlich said his group has not formally discussed expanding its influence farther east, and he doesn't think it's wise to shift boundaries because of just one issue.

But, he said, the impact of the mines extends to everyone along mine truck routes farther west.

"I think certainly our influence might be useful," Noethlich said. "If we extend our boundaries with the same conditions, (mine developers) would have to follow the same procedures."

That means they would have to present their plans during a public meeting.

Noethlich said changing planning community boundaries isn't simple. It would require the support of east Estero residents. But not everyone wants in for fear of increased restrictions on their own property.

"You'll see a lot of that sentiment, 'Leave us alone.' They fail to see the protection that can come from that land planning group," said Kevin Hill, 44.

He lives on Corkscrew Road and created the Web site corkscrewroad.com to keep neighbors informed about mine proposals.

"I welcome the opportunity to discuss their vision of annexing this part into their community plan," he said.

The Estero Council of Community Leaders on Friday said it would support the fight against the mines.

Noethlich said in addition to community support, a boundary change would require a lengthy plan amendment process.

County planner Rick Burris it would take about one and a half years and require a new analysis of impacts on the annexed area.

Even if the process could be fast-tracked, Noethlich questioned whether these mines would be required to hold community meetings because their applications have been submitted.

"Generally, when a project is in process, you can't hold them to regulations you adopt while they're in process," Burris said.

The three proposals have not yet been scheduled for public hearings before county officials.

"Even if we weren't able to get involved with these three, we could start cooperating and working together" with east Estero residents, Noethlich said.

"There's probably going to be multiple mine applications out there, given that's where the rock is. It doesn't mean there won't be three more next year."

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