Developer Scales Back Golden Gate Estates Plan — Only 30% Affordable Housing Now

Hillside developer HAA Capital LLC recently adjusted its controversial Golden Gate Estates project following neighborhood opposition. Gone are the 205 rental apartments—with a childcare center—replaced by a revised plan for 129 owner-occupied homes, only 30% of which will be affordable for 30 years.

🏘️ What Changed & Why

• Original pushback: In April, neighbors strongly opposed the shift to a 205-unit rental and childcare concept. County commissioners delayed approval pending public feedback .

• Revised plan: On July 8, Collier’s Board of County Commissioners unanimously approved the switch—reducing apartment count back to 129 owner-occupied homes and slashing the affordability commitment from 100% to 30%.

• Affordable criteria: Of the 129 homes, 39 units will be income-restricted—half to those earning ≤ 140% of area median income, half to ≤ 120% AMI. Affordability runs for 30 years .

🌳 Community Input & Protections

• Neighbors from Valencia Trails opposed the daycare and stressed setbacks, traffic, and privacy concerns. Their pushback led to stronger buffer zones and removal of drive-thru restaurants.

• Developer also added a pedestrian and bike pathway linking Valencia Trails to the commercial hub, enhancing connectivity.

• Local residents praised Valencia Trails homeowners as “rockstars” for collaborating through hearings and petitions.

🌦️ Environmental & Land-Use Tensions

• Audubon raised red flags: Brad Cornell, representing Audubon Western Everglades, criticized the lack of required transfer-of-development rights (TDR) for market-rate homes, saying it threatens wetlands and panther habitat.

• Commissioner Bill McDaniel Jr. plans to revisit TDR rules to clarify the policy—ensuring that only affordable units remain exempt from TDR requirements.

📅 Next Steps

• The plan now goes to the state Department of Commerce, becoming final 31 days after no challenge is filed—then construction may begin.

• The project site—24.4 acres at Immokalee Road & Catawba Street, near Wilson Boulevard—will host the new homes and a 50,000-square-foot commercial zone.