Neighbors Voice Strong Opposition to Planned Costco in Naples, Calling It a “Disaster in the Making”

Costco is moving forward with its plans to build a new warehouse in Collier County, but nearby residents are pushing back due to concerns over traffic and safety, according to Mahmoud Bennett of FOX 4.

The retailer is considering a 158,000-square-foot warehouse near Rattlesnake Hammock Road and Collier Boulevard, positioned between U.S. 41 and I-75. Costco has been working on this project since early 2024, aiming to attract shoppers from South Naples and Marco Island. Although the site was approved for commercial use in 2011 as part of the Hacienda Lakes MPUD, some residents argue that the area has changed significantly since then. With a 7-Eleven, a hospital, and a growing residential community nearby, they feel that a Costco would not be a suitable fit for the neighborhood.

Opponents highlight existing safety concerns, pointing out that the area has already seen accidents and pedestrian fatalities. They argue that the influx of traffic, particularly with an increasing number of bicyclists passing through, would make conditions even more hazardous.

William Kutner, president of the Azure Homeowners Association, also raised concerns about potential declines in property values. He and Frank Cipolla, a resident of the nearby Esplanade community and an organizer against the project, are urging county officials to reject the proposal, even if that means leaving the space open for different commercial developments in the future.

At a town hall meeting on Tuesday evening, they presented their case to developers and county commissioners. Kutner suggested that Costco should consider alternative locations, such as areas further south toward Marco Island along U.S. 41, where he believes the retailer could serve a larger population.

The project is still under review, and opponents hope to persuade county commissioners to deny its approval.

While Costco declined to comment on specific site plans when contacted by Fox 4, the company did confirm its goal of opening a new store in 2026.

Cipolla emphasized that the development would not only increase noise but also pose risks to pedestrians. “The primary issue is traffic and safety,” he said. “This is already a busy intersection, with 2,700 apartments and condos under construction. Just a mile down the road, two major developments are being built. The traffic will multiply significantly.”

He compared the situation to “placing a circus next to a quiet community and expecting everything to run smoothly,” expressing strong doubts that the project would be a good fit for the area.

This article originally appeared on FOX 4