Logan Boulevard Expansion – A Public-Private Partnership

Overview

Collier County, FL – The Logan Boulevard expansion project in Collier and Lee Counties is a compelling example of how strategic partnerships between private developers and local governments can accelerate infrastructure development while minimizing public expense. Through three collaborative agreements, GL Homes worked closely with Collier County and the City of Bonita Springs (Lee County) to construct and extend a critical regional roadway in exchange for vesting rights and impact fee credits—benefiting both the community and the region’s long-term growth.

First Agreement

In 2006, under a developer agreement with Collier County, GL Homes advanced $7.5 million in road impact fees to construct a new two-lane segment of Logan Boulevard between Vanderbilt Beach Road and Immokalee Road. This advancement, which was made in exchange for vesting rights and road impact fee credits, laid the foundation for a series of critical infrastructure improvements that supported housing growth and regional mobility.

 

Second Agreement

By 2016, Logan Boulevard required further extension to accommodate GL Homes’ Riverstone and Stonecreek communities and provide a connection to Bonita Beach Road. Under a second developer agreement with Collier County, GL Homes partnered in this extension, reducing the County’s financial burden and accelerating the development timeline. This developer agreement enabled the County to access over $2.5 million in construction costs from the Florida Department of Transportation.

 

Third Agreement

In 2019, GL Homes entered into an agreement with the City of Bonita Springs to design, permit and construct a roundabout at the intersection of Logan Boulevard and Bonita Beach Road in lieu of a standard “stop” intersection. GL Homes also agreed to design, permit and construct box culverts under Bonita Beach Road and a large drainage conveyance adjacent to Logan Boulevard to help alleviate historic flooding to the north and west. GL Homes received road impact fee credits in exchange for this work. GL Homes’ willingness to execute the roundabout and drainage work in conjunction with the Logan Boulevard extension resulted in significant cost savings for the city.

Background

At its core, RIVERLAND was envisioned as a community where modern living coexists with environmental stewardship. With over 300 acres of preserved land, the development protects vital habitats for native wildlife while preserving the area’s ecological balance. These preserved green spaces serve as natural filters, purifying air and water, thus supporting healthier living conditions for both the community and the broader region.

 

Key contributions of GL Homes:

  • Donating right-of-way at no cost to the public.
  • Providing stormwater outfall into its Stonecreek community.
  • Contributing approx. $1 million to the cost of construction by the County of the segment from Riverstone to the Collier/Lee County line.
  • Constructing, at its sole cost, the segment  from the Collier/Lee County line to Bonita Beach Road.
  • Providing engineering, permitting and construction expertise to allow these projects to proceed more quickly and efficiently than if handled publicly.

Strategic and Regional Impact

The expanded Logan Boulevard:

  • Improved regional connectivity in a rapidly growing corridor by providing an east-of-I-75 connection between Collier and Lee Counties.
  • Created a safe, direct route for growing traffic volumes from surrounding residential communities.
  • Provided emergency services and commuters with a critical alternative to congested routes west of I-75.
  • Provided drainage relief for areas within the City of Bonita Springs that historically suffered severe and lengthy flooding.

This infrastructure not only supported immediate housing demand but also laid the groundwork for continued economic development and accessibility in the area.

Results

The collaboration between Collier County, City of Bonita Springs and GL Homes achieved:

  1. Timely completion of a vital transportation corridor without significant taxpayer expense.
  2. Improved public safety and traffic flow in high-growth areas.
  3. A model for future public-private partnerships, maximizing both private initiative and public benefit.
  4. Preservation of development momentum, allowing Riverstone and Stonecreek to proceed without delay.

Conclusion

The Logan Boulevard project showcases the power of effective public-private collaboration in addressing infrastructure needs ahead of the growth curve. By aligning private development incentives with public infrastructure goals, Collier County, City of Bonita Springs and GL Homes created a long-lasting transportation asset that serves residents, boosts regional connectivity, and exemplifies a responsible approach to urban expansion.