Bonita city manager speaks in favor of downtown plan

The Bonita Springs city manager tonight spoke strongly in support of the city's current plans to redevelop a 5.3-acre property to revitalize the downtown corridor along Old 41.

Gary Price detailed to the council what has happened to the Old 41 area since the city incorporated on the eve of 2000. His presentation made it clear he felt the area needed a catalyst to spur further revitalization, and he felt the current proposal was the way to go.

"For being in the strongest growth market Southwest Florida has ever seen, I would have expected a lot more from Old 41," Price said.

The council approved a plan in January from Naples-based Antaramian Development, Inc. to turn the 5.3-acre Bamboo Village site into the upscale Imperial Landing with shops, condominiums and restaurants. When the city bought the property in 2003 for $2.6 million and subsequently poured $900,000 onto the site, it was hoped the redevelopment of the property would further spur downtown redevelopment..

When three new member joined the seven-person council folllowing the March 7 elections, it appeared the Antaramian proposal would be rejected. The council met today to discuss what it wanted for the site.

During his presentation, Price showed a photo of the empty Bamboo Village site, saying it is only used by people doing heavy drinking. This was an apparent dig at the people and members of the council who have called for a passive use of the site, like a park.

"That's not fair. There are 'No Trespassing' signs there now," said Councilwoman Martha Simons, who is against the Antaramian project and joined the council following the March 7 elections.