📍 The Grove’s Next Chapter

A fixture of the Sabal Palm Road countryside since the 1970s, South Naples Citrus Grove and nursery may soon yield to development. SWJR Naples I LLC—the company led by veteran developer Jon Rubinton—has asked to amend Collier County’s growth-management ordinance, thus enabling construction of 423 homes on the 169‑acre parcel near Picayune Strand State Forest

Rubinton’s team originally pitched 450 homes (110 townhouses and 340 single-family), but in meetings with county planners, they scaled back by 27 units—resulting in a density of about 2.5 units per acre. The revised plan also raises open space to 60% (from 55%), adds two community amenity centers, and incorporates landscaped buffers. These adjustments secured a 4–1 vote of support from the Collier Planning Commission on April 17 .

💰 A First for Affordable Housing in Collier

What sets this proposal apart is its commitment to affordability: 15% of the townhomes—about 63 units—will be sold to income-qualified buyers at 80–120% of area median income (AMI), pegged at roughly $104,300 per household. The homes will match the finishes of market-rate units and cannot be distinguished from above. Transfers of ownership are carefully controlled, with capped appreciation (5% per year plus split gains thereafter), and affordability covenants lasting 30 years .

County Housing Policy Director Cormac Giblin notes that Collier has over 51,000 cost-burdened households, with more than 25,600 paying over 50% of income on housing—figures that underline the need for attainable options . Certified planner Wayne Arnold emphasized the new homes will serve thousands of eastern Collier employees at local hospitals, schools, retail centers, and government offices .

🐾 Balancing Growth and Conservation

Neighbors did not testify at the April hearing, but concerns have arisen during earlier discussions. Residents voiced worries over traffic on Sabal Palm Road, added stormwater runoff, and impacts to local wildlife, including bears and Florida panthers. The developer’s plan includes roadway expansion, improved drainage, and designated flowways to direct wetlands runoff .

Environmental consultant Rich Yovanovich referenced the decline of Florida’s citrus industry due to disease and development pressure, calling the grove “still operating, but long‑term citrus is probably not the most viable use for the property” .

🗓️ Timeline & Next Steps

The Planning Commission’s recommendation now heads to the Board of County Commissioners, with a tentative vote scheduled for May 27. If approved, the county’s growth-management amendment will be forwarded to the Florida Department of Commerce. Only after state sign‑off will the parcel move to rezoning and PUD review, where final unit mix, setbacks, landscaping, traffic impacts, and environmental considerations will be finalized .

🏡 Developer Cred & Regional Context

SWJR Naples I LLC is headed by Jon Rubinton, a developer known for projects like Mangrove Bay, Treviso, and Bonita Bay. The project team features Q. Grady Minor & Associates (planning), Trebilcock Consulting (transport), Turrell, Hall & Associates (environmental), and Blueshore Engineering.

Meanwhile, citrus-to-community conversions are accelerating across Southwest Florida. For instance, Alico Inc. has proposed a two-village development totaling 9,000 homes—including 4,500 in eastern Collier—on former citrus land across 3,000 acres . This trend reflects larger pressures against Florida’s struggling citrus sector—statewide acreage has fallen nearly 90% in two decades .

🔍 Why This Matters for Naples News Now

• Local identity vs. growth: This parcel has been agricultural since the 1970s. Its transformation would symbolize the continuing development push in eastern Collier County.

• Affordable housing breakthrough: The project proposes the first county-area owner-occupied, income-restricted units—potentially a model for future developments.

• Environmental stakes: With bear and panther habitats nearby, this development raises important questions about wildlife corridors and smart land planning.

• Economic ripple effects: New residents mean increased demand for retail, schools, and services—transforming life east of Collier Boulevard.

✅ What’s Next

1. May 27: County Commissioners vote on growth plan amendment.

2. Upon approval, state Department of Commerce review begins.

3. Rezoning & PUD hearings will set final development terms.

4. If greenlit, full-site engineering, permitting, and construction documents will follow—likely launching in 2026–27.