Many projects had been accomplished by the community in 2004 including erosion protection on lakes 9 and 10, additional plantings, an extended putting green, and a return to normal after three hurricanes came close to Estero. VCC residents hoped that the year 2005 would bring more improvements and gentler weather.
Building in Estero was booming with 2,699 housing units permitted during the first eleven months of 2005, exceeding the total units permitted in any prior year by almost 630 housing units, or 37.5%. Permitted units were up 82% from 2004. The total permitted value of these units, excluding land, exceeded the prior record set in 2004 by more than $273 million, an 83% increase, and was $54 million more than the total for 2003 and 2004 combined. The average building value during 2004 and 2005 of $222,034 (excluding land) was 43% higher than the average for the prior four years. This increase was due to the rapid increase in the cost of construction materials, the changing mix in the type of housing units being constructed (more single family and high rise units), and many other factors.
The total value of permitted commercial buildings, exclusive of land, during the first 11 months of 2005 equaled $83 million, the highest amount during a six-year period. It was expected that the value of commercial permits would continue to grow in Estero over the next several years. Coconut Point was the major contributor with permits totaling $6.7 million.
The city of Bonita Springs housing development had been growing more rapidly during 2003 and 2004 but slowed in 2005 and trailed Estero by 69% in housing unit value and 65% in the total value of permitted development during 2005. (The residential building value excluded the value of the underlying land.)
In 2005 Josh Meredith took the lead as the first general manager under Country Creek self-management. Josh was the consultant who had directed Country Creek towards accomplishing all the steps required for self-management. Sandi Dunphy was his administrative assistant. Kimberly Christenson was named new food and beverage manager. The challenges Board President Bob Nelson and the staff were to face were numerous.
Within the Estero community there was talk of Estero being annexed to Bonita Springs. Country Creek residents supported the Estero Council of Community Leaders (ECCL) in opposition to this plan with Annie Rosenthal and Bob Nelson as our community representatives.
In February 2005 The Villager assumed a new format as an “in-house” publication with Susan Schmitt as the editor. CCTV got new equipment for clearer reception.
Chuck Hunkins completed his requirements for Class A status. S&S turned over management of the golf course and Pro Shop to the community on March 31, 2005. As of April 1 Chuck owned and operated the merchandise concession in the Pro Shop. The golf course maintenance contract was awarded to IGM. The Club Champ was Gary Miller. The Ladies Golf Association Champ was Pat Immonen, and the Men’s Golf Association Champ was Carl Sandquist.
The Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) created a chapter at Country Creek with an active membership of 16 and a waiting list of seven.
In spite of hopes for gentler weather in 2005, Hurricane Wilma hit October 24, 2005 and did extensive tree damage in the community that cost $40,000 to clean up. Major damage to the wooden perimeter fencing would cost $35,000 to repair. There were also four days of lost revenue in the golf course and restaurant operation and loss of power, resulting in food spoilage. Those who had power shared air conditioning and meals with their neighbors. Once again the volunteers got together to clear debris and bring the community back to its former beauty.
As building continued to boom in Estero, talk of renovating the VCC clubhouse began in early 2005. Plans were unveiled at the March annual meeting by architect Bruce Tyson, Tyson and Billy Architects. A twenty-two-page report on a mold study had revealed extensive mold contamination on both levels of the clubhouse.
The initial cost estimate was about $3.5 million. An Assessment of approximately $3,600 per door was proposed. At the May 2005 Master Board meeting, a Clubhouse Renovation Committee was approved. Members of the committee were Chairman Roland Jolie, Bob Selby, Barb Litzen and Bob Verway. The purpose of the renovation was to bring the clubhouse facility up to code and to ensure safe air quality for those using the clubhouse. Renovation would also fix moisture problems and replace tired equipment and furnishings. It was about making the clubhouse a useful amenity for owners to use for recreation and meetings. In August 2005 an information packet on the Clubhouse Renovation Project was sent to all homeowners.
The community began to express viewpoints about renovation plans and costs that created division among residents. It was a very volatile time with hard feelings that would take years to mend. However, plans went forward with completion scheduled for the end of 2006.
