River Park East Pushes Naples for Action After Decades of Overlook

River Park East Residents Demand Better After Decades of Overlook

In a meeting last week, neighbors of River Park East pressed city leaders to finish what’s been long neglected; citing decades of flooding, lack of infrastructure investment, and a growing sense that their community has been sidelined as Naples' coastline and luxury neighborhoods ballooned in value.

Founded in the 1960s, when segregation forced Black families into specific zones, River Park East has remained the heart of Naples’ Black community over generations.

Flooding and Forgotten Streets: Issues Revisited

Residents point to repeated flooding during storms, including hurricanes Milton and Ian, as a symbol of neglect. For many, raw sewage backups, poor drainage, and deteriorating road conditions are not new, but the sense of urgency has ramped up as other parts of Naples have surged ahead.

When the area was mapped out decades ago, it provided working-class housing close to job centers. Over time, as property values soared elsewhere, the city’s investments followed those rising neighborhoods, leaving River Park East with crumbling infrastructure, limited city resources, and few upgrades to match growth elsewhere.

City’s Response: A Promised Fresh Look

At last week’s community-redevelopment meeting, leaders heard the residents’ concerns. The city’s redevelopment agency committed to revisiting funding priorities in 2026, placing River Park East on the radar for renewed support. The message: the city may finally begin to treat this neighborhood as part of its growth plan — not a leftover from a bygone era. That acknowledgment means more than words for longstanding residents who have waited for change.

What This Could Mean for River Park East

For homeowners and renters in River Park East, this shift could mean better drainage systems, safer roads, sewage-free streets, and overall improved living conditions. For Naples as a whole, it may mark a turning point: a move toward addressing inequalities left by decades of uneven development.

As other Naples neighborhoods evolve with high-end homes and upscale tourism, giving attention to historically underserved zones helps preserve the city’s diversity and history — especially the legacy of families who've lived in River Park East for generations.