Two proposed developments in Estero, a Wawa gas station and convenience store in Estero Town Commons and the Milan Villas single-family subdivision on Williams Road, had their second readings presented to Estero Village Council on Wednesday.
The proposed Wawa on the south side of Corkscrew Road on the parcel previously occupied by Ruby Tuesday in the Lowe’s-anchored Estero Town Commons center was approved for its zoning amendment by council.
The issues council asked the developers to bring back from the first reading were addressed and satisfied, including clarification on the second part of the request, allowing a fast food use on a different parcel owned by Kite Reality Group.
Kite Realty Group owns the shopping center except for the parcel the Wawa is on, which is now owned by Brightwork Development. Council approved no more than one fast food development in order to keep Kite whole, as the Wawa would not be able to move forward without the allowance of a fast food use on the parcel owned by Kite.
The developers also adjusted its design, including its signature tilted canopy, changing it to an A-frame canopy with no tilt to accommodate the request from staff.
As for the color palette and landscaping, the developers ensured council the color yellow will be muted and landscaping will be used as buffer along Corkscrew Road and along the perimeter of the site, including landscape islands within the site. The landscaping will be consistent with surrounding landscaping and species used.
The developers are still working with staff for its public amenities on site, which may include outdoor benches and seating areas. However, the location of the public amenities caused some safety concerns if placed too close to Corkscrew Road without a significant buffer.
“Safety is the number one concern that we have on everything that we vote on,” said village mayor Katy Errington. “We have to get people away from Corkscrew Road. That one amenity block would definitely have to be moved, it’s just too close.”
Following the approval of the zoning amendment, Wawa will provide a detailed site plan when it brings a development order to the village’s planning, zoning and design board where a decision will be made to allow the start of construction.
Milan Villas, a D.R. Horton subdivision comprising 44 single-family attached units, is on a 10-acre property at the northwest corner of Williams Road and Three Oaks Parkway.
The proposed subdivision had its second reading for a rezoning request from commercial planned development to residential planned development Wednesday.
Council asked the developers to address fencing, landscaping and access points on the site. Each element was met with dissatisfaction by council, as the design and style were not sufficient.
“We don’t want to lower our standards for Estero, which we’ve done in the past, to get this across and pass it,” Errington said. “I can’t approve it. If you wanted to, we can continue it to another meeting. Give us a fresh start. Come back with fresh ideas.”
The village council motioned and approved to have a continuation of the item on Nov. 16.
