Bonita Springs Residents Rally Against Revana Lakes Development

Residents Push Back Against New Development

A growing number of Bonita Springs residents are voicing concerns over new housing projects in their community—specifically the proposed Revana Lakes development on Bonita Beach Road. More than 1,100 people have signed a petition urging city leaders to “pause development” and reject amendments that would allow the project to move forward.

The petition, launched by local resident and retiree Candace Moot, highlights community concerns ranging from worsening traffic congestion to environmental impacts. “The amount of traffic has really become untenable,” Moot said, pointing to the thousands of approved, but not yet built, homes and apartments in the area.

The Revana Lakes Proposal

Developer Seagate has requested amendments to Bonita Springs’ comprehensive plan in order to rezone the site for higher density. The proposed project includes 299 homes and 100,000 square feet of commercial space on the north side of Bonita Beach Road, east of I-75.

Currently, the land carries a Density Reduction/Groundwater Recharge (DR/GR) designation, which permits only low-density residential development - roughly 14 homes. This designation is intended to protect water resources and aquifers. Seagate is seeking to change the designation to Urban Fringe Community District, which would allow significantly greater density.

City staff, however, is recommending against the amendments, citing that the potential negatives outweigh the positives.

Why Residents Are Concerned

Opponents of the project cite three major issues:

• Traffic & Safety: Bonita Beach Road already experiences heavy congestion and safety issues, particularly during peak season and evacuation scenarios. Residents fear more density will worsen conditions.
• Environmental Impact: The DR/GR designation was created to protect aquifers, wildlife, and water management. Changing land use rules could disrupt sensitive ecosystems.
• Precedent for Future Development: Residents worry that if Seagate is allowed to bypass existing rules, other developers will expect the same treatment, leading to widespread overdevelopment.

Moot emphasizes that the petition is not about stopping all development. Instead, it’s about ensuring the city follows existing rules: “If Seagate were following the development rules as they exist, my guess is people would not be opposed.”

What Happens Next

The Local Planning Agency will review Seagate’s proposed amendments on August 28, with the final decision resting with the Bonita Springs City Council. A little over a year ago, the council rejected similar requests from Seagate.

For residents like Moot, the outcome could shape the future of development in Bonita Springs:

“If they say yes to Seagate, every other developer will expect a yes answer as well,” she warned.

As the petition continues to grow, residents are hopeful city leaders will listen to their concerns and prioritize sustainable growth, road safety, and environmental stewardship.

Stay Updated: We’ll continue covering the Revana Lakes proposal and the petition’s progress as this story develops.

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