FORT MYERS (Florida) NEWS-PRESS

March 18, 2009

Plan to build farmworker homes on Pine Island gets 'no' vote

A plan to build 64 farmworker homes at a Pine Island palm farm was denied unanimously today by Lee County commissioners, after more than 75 island residents expressed their opposition.

The debate over this contentious issue began in August 2007, first getting a recommendation of approval from county staff, then a denial from the hearing examiner. And after further challenges and modifications to the plan, a special magistrate, or quasi-judicial advisor, recommended approval.

And despite a decision from commissioners to deny the proposal, the debate might not be over. Matt Uhle, the lawyer representing TWI 75 LLC, which wants to build the farmworker homes, told commissioners rejecting the special magistrate’s recommendation would lead to a lawsuit.