RiverPark neighbors fear more flooding and traffic from the new Naples development. This concern resonates deeply in a community already grappling with the repercussions of urban expansion. The plans for a two-story building, set to rise at the intersection of Goodlette-Frank Road and Fifth Street, include five tailored residential condos alongside five storage garages.
Residents feel a sense of unease, as the RiverPark community possesses only a singular entrance and exit, a logistical bottleneck that raises alarm about increased traffic and strain on their infrastructure.
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Riverpark neighbors fear more flooding, traffic from new Naples development
James Whitaker, a deeply affected local, recently shared, “My problem with this is that I’ve been flooded twice. Any time you talk about putting in a building that’s going to be elevated above the existing area, the water has to run off somewhere. Well, guess where it’s going — into my community.” His words echo the fears of many.
RiverPark sits precariously near the banks of canals and the Gordon River, a picturesque yet fragile setting that often faces the brunt of heavy rainfall. Residents like Debra Spencer voice their frustrations, remarking, “It never flooded like this before. Now all of a sudden, 10th Street doesn’t flood—but we do,” highlighting a disheartening shift in weather patterns and urban planning.
Traffic presents another layer of anxiety, with residents struggling to exit their own streets. Spencer’s recount of her daily departure speaks volumes about the congestion: “We can’t even get out of our street. Thank God there’s a light, but every time I go out, I’m taking a chance. I kind of have to sneak out—I don’t just roll right through it.”
Despite the community’s apprehensions, the developer firmly believes the project will not exacerbate flooding. Mark McClean of MHK Architecture assured attendees at the city council meeting, “This piece of property improves this piece of property, and it will improve the immediate surrounding area around it because we are retaining the water on-site.” His presentation underscored a stark clash between community fears and ambitious development goals.
Even as the city council approved the development with stipulations, it left many residents in a state of contemplation. There remains an air of uncertainty, as further approvals are needed before the shovels hit the ground. Will the retention pond truly be a panacea for their concerns or just a temporary patch on a much larger issue? The balance between development and preservation hangs delicately in the air, as RiverPark residents navigate the complexities of urban change.
