Three Lee County properties move closer to conservation

The properties include Eden Oaks, near Sanibel, a parcel near Cape Coral's Four Mile Cove, and a 67-acre near Alva

Three Lee County properties are one step closer to being preserved for the public.

At last week's meeting of a Conservation 20/20 citizens’ advisory subcommittee, members voted to advance two much-in-the-news waterfront parcels toward acquisition: Eden Oaks off Shell Point Boulevard near Sanibel in south Lee County and a Cape Coral piece near Four Mile Cove.

Developers had been eyeing both, to the dismay of neighbors, who'd mobilized in opposition. In fact, so many people showed up – including five Cape Coral city council members – that the meeting had to be moved to a larger room, said Cape Coral resident Jason Pim, who's been advocating for the land's preservation.

Last year, after residents called The Florida Department of Environmental Protection to report unauthorized dredging and mangrove clearing, the agency rebuked the city for more than four possible violations of state and federal rules, ordering it to stop all work and stabilize the area.