LEE COUNTY, Fla. — On Monday, State legislators are voting on an act that would create a special district in Alva: the Duke Farm Stewardship District. It would cover 1,134 acres of farmland between North River Road and Duke Highway.

Representative Spencer Roach is sponsoring the act.

Developers say this stewardship district would mean long-term cost savings for a real estate project there and become a financial engine for the community.

However, some residents aren’t on board with the plan. 

“Unfortunately seems like all our representatives and our county commissioners are more involved with working for the interest of the developer rather than the people who elected them,” said Alva resident Denise Eberle. “It’s not that we’re against development, it’s… develop based on our community plan.”

This would be similar to other districts for other real estate projects, including Babcock Ranch, Lakewood Ranch, North River Ranch, Ave Maria, and Wellen Park.

The Duke Farm Stewardship District is a special-purpose government to finances major infrastructure projects, including transportation, utilities, and stormwater management.

However, it will not change the regulatory jurisdiction of Lee County.

Five representatives and three state senators will meet tomorrow to vote on this. They’ll meet at the Florida Southwestern State College in room AA-117.

The meeting starts at 9:00 a.m. 

Eberle says she plans to speak tomorrow along with her neighbors.

“They all want to come in here and change it all. They want to increase density. They want to destroy wetlands,” she said.

Stick with ABC7 to keep you informed when a decision is made.