North Naples controversial luxury apartments approved
Controversial Luxury Apartments with Affordable Housing Approved in North Naples
The approval of luxury apartments with an affordable housing component in North Naples has generated mixed reactions within the community. The project received a 4-1 vote in favor from the Commissioners, necessitating an amendment to the county’s Growth Management Plan. Situated adjacent to The Carlisle Naples, a senior living community near the intersection of Airport-Pulling Road and Orange Blossom Drive, the development will consist of a total of 336 apartments.
A notable feature of this project is the inclusion of 76 rent-restricted units designated as affordable housing. These units account for 22.6% of the overall apartments, serving as a significant selling point for the majority of county commissioners who supported the development.
Half of the affordable housing units will be reserved for families with incomes equal to or below 80% of the median income in the area. The remaining half will have a limit set at 100%, providing assistance to some of the most vulnerable renters.
According to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, the average income for a family of four in Collier currently stands at $100,700.
Proponents of the project argue that the addition of luxury apartments can attract affluent residents, potentially stimulating the local economy and increasing tax revenue. They consider the inclusion of 76 rent-restricted units as a positive step toward addressing the ongoing issue of housing affordability. By integrating affordable housing into the development, they believe the community can cultivate economic diversity and offer housing options to working families who would otherwise struggle to afford living in Naples.
However, opponents of the project raise concerns regarding the potential impact on already crowded schools, as well as increased traffic and visual effects. Locals who strongly opposed the proposed apartments went as far as describing them as a “huge mistake.” They argue that the designs are overly extravagant for the location, considering the primarily residential nature of the surrounding neighborhood.
Developers encountered objections regarding the height and density of the project. Numerous residents expressed their opposition by signing a petition. They fear that the new apartment building will pave the way for further high-density construction. However, commissioners disagree, asserting that they evaluate each project based on its individual merits.
The Haven, the luxury apartment complex, will be a four-story building with a maximum height of 60 feet, while The Carlisle is 18 feet shorter.
In summary, the approval of controversial luxury apartments, including a portion of affordable housing, in North Naples has sparked community debates. While supporters believe that it can drive economic growth and tackle housing affordability, opponents express concerns about density, visibility, and exacerbating the existing traffic issues in the area. Achieving a balance between luxury and affordable housing remains an ongoing challenge for the residents of Naples as a whole.