On November 15, 1983, Avatar Properties Inc., formerly known as GAC Properties, Inc., entered into an agreement with Collier County, Florida, to donate 1,061.5 acres of land to the County. The lands deeded to the County under this agreement could only be used to provide governmental facilities for existing and future residents of Collier County, with all capital improvements to be physically located within the geographical boundary of Golden Gate Estates and any proceeds from the sale of these lands to be utilized for capital projects situated in Golden Gate Estates. Governmental facilities which would be able to be constructed on the property, or with the proceeds of any sale of the property include fire protection facilities, police facilities, public schools, libraries, recreational facilities, and equipment necessary for the respective operations. If the County allows the lands to be used for any other purpose, the ownership and title thereto would revert to Avatar Properties Inc.
The County has the right to sell or trade lands acquired under this agreement. Any land acquired by trade is subject to the same limitations that it is used for public purposes within Golden Gate Estates as described above. Funds obtained from the sale of the lands could also be used for governmental purposes. Before any lands may be sold or traded, the County is required to have an appraisal completed by a certified appraiser. The transaction may only be finalized if the sales price is ninety (90%) percent or more of appraised value or the appraised value of the property to be received in the trade is ninety (90%) percent or more of the appraised value of the lands to be traded by the County.
Avatar Properties Inc. has the right of first refusal to acquire any property the County sells or trades pursuant to this agreement. The County must notify Avatar Properties of all terms and conditions of any such sale or trade, and the company would have the option for thirty (30) days after receipt of such notice to elect to acquire the property for the same consideration and upon the same terms and conditions.
As of April 11, 2023, there were 28.87 of the original 1,061.6 acres of land remaining for sale, with 24.56 of that acreage reserved for the Collier County School District (23.07 acres) and the North Naples Fire Control and Rescue District (1.49 acres).
Over the past 40 years, the County accomplished several infrastructure improvements through the proceeds of this agreement. Interested investors have also come forward to pursue developments that focus more on the community’s needs for convenient entertainment sources such as movie theaters, gyms, and restaurants.
EMS Station 74 is a partnership between Collier County EMS, Greater Naples Fire District and the North Naples Fire District in order to enhance each organizations’ ability to serve the residents in the Golden Gate Estates area and improve coverage and response times through better coordination. According to the proposed plan by SchenkelShultz Architecture, the station will include 10 connecting vehicle bays, 12 bunk rooms, six restrooms, a kitchen, dining area, day room, fitness room, laundry room, storage spaces, offices and a lanai with outdoor seating.
Donated properties such as this have significantly benefitted the people within its geographical boundary; the people’s taxes have a clear return on investment and are not wasted on unproductive projects. However, we must not be complacent and continue to analyze government projects sustained by taxpayer dollars carefully.
