A new retail center proposed for the southwest corner of Golden Gate Boulevard and Everglades Boulevard in Golden Gate Estates is closer to reality. 

The Collier County Planning Commission voted unanimously Thursday to approve that the 5.4-acre parcel be rezoned as a commercial planned unit development to make way for what will be known as Ariva Plaza. The Board of County Commissioners will decide the issue at a later date. 

The retail center is proposed for one of the intersection quadrants known as the Everglades Boulevard and Golden Gate Boulevard Neighborhood Center, designated by the Golden Gate Area Master Plan to concentrate on new commercial zoning to provide goods and services to the surrounding area. The northwest quadrant is an already developed 25,000 square-foot retail center known as Everglades Square, anchored by Everglades Food Mart, while 7 Food Mart & Tortilleria is expected to open soon on the northeast corner.  

“The idea of what we’re trying to do on the broader basis throughout the county is bringing goods and services that are demanded by households in a better special relationship to where those households exist,” Collier County Planning Manager Mike Bosi said. “That’s to improve our transportation network, improve our environmental qualities and quality of life for the individuals.”  

 The new zoning would allow for a maximum of 30,000 square feet of commercial area, but specific plans are unknown at this time. The purpose of adding this development is to serve those in the Estates community who travel longer distances than average for typical commercial needs. With surrounding residents in mind, there will be a 75-foot indigenous tree preserve between the commercial and residential zones, as instructed by the county’s master plan.  

New neighborhood centers within other parts of the Golden Gate Estates may be added as the area’s population becomes denser and there is a higher desire for shorter trips to receive goods and services. 

“I believe there are enough centers in the plan that the market has now finally started to recognize those locations and take advantage of those locations,” Bosi said. “So, as we move forward, I think you’re going to see more of these requests and that’s only a better means to the overall quality of life within the Estates.”