Changes on the Horizon

Things just keep changing, and usually that happens when most people are out of town during our long hot summer seasons. This way, if the project might not be what the community wants, people won’t be here to notice or complain or object. That goes on year after year, although it’s not as bad as it used to be, and this year is no different. Many years ago, the County Commissioners felt it was important to hold BCC meetings while most people were in town, so they chose a six-week summer break for the BCC, I would call it a brief breathing space so people could still be on vacation but return for the meetings that would be important to them, or employees with children could still have a summer vacation during school break.  This year one item leaps to the front page: St. Matthews House wants to expand their facility and increase the number of homeless beds from 104 to 150. They are trying to do this while people who will be affected will be gone for the summer. Many people do not know the effects this facility has on the surrounding businesses, homes, families, children and even schools. The newspapers are very careful not to print much information about some of the circumstances so as not to scare people, but the people who live close by know full well of the problems, as do the businesses and people who work in the county and have to deal with the issues as they come to and from work. It’s important for people living in that area to know changes are going to be voted on so they won’t be surprised. If you have concerns, call the county growth management division.  

*There are changes and upgrades coming to the Pickleball Park located in the East Naples Community Park. The changes have been needed for some time, and this is another step forward, while others have already been built and are in use. This one is a big one! The County Parks is building a new Visitors Center, upgrading the bathroom facilities, improving the electrical systems, etc. With the thousands of people who travel to this area from all over the world, these are much needed additions, with more to come next year. The changes will be here for the U. S. Open next year from April 23 to April 30, 2022. Mark your calendars now!  It’s always so much fun!! There are other tournaments throughout the year, but this one is the BIG DEAL!

*You’ve probably read that Rebecca from 360 Market on Bayshore will be adding another facility to her collection of businesses in that area. We’ve heard about a wine venue, but I wanted to hear more, so I contacted her, and here are the plans she is working on as you read this. The Wine Venue will have two parts: the public part called “Rebecca’s”, and the private wine/social club, by invitation only, will be “The Maddox”.  Rebecca has been working on this plan for almost three years, and as she states: “This new Wine Venue fits right into the wine culture of Naples. There will be valet service for everyone. It will be the first of its kind in the USA!” They plan to build this first venue and then expand into other places that have a strong wine culture. Rebecca has talked with so many people in 360 Market to get the opinion of people who buy wine there, and she has found people are really looking forward to this new addition. The first question she is asked after she tells them of her plan is: How do I get on the list? Her reply is to write your name on a piece of paper and give it to her! Easy enough. I sometimes feel she is the “Queen of Gold” because no matter what she touches, it turns to gold!