Collier Affordable Housing Project Draws Concerns from Naples Residents

NAPLES, Fla. — A new affordable housing proposal along one of Naples’ busiest corridors is stirring both optimism and concern. The vacant property at 1465 Golden Gate Parkway, located next to IberiaBank and across from Coastland Center mall, has been approved by Collier County as the site for a 105-unit affordable housing development known as The Gallery at Naples.

The project, led by Gallery at Naples LLC, is in its early planning stages and now awaits state approval for financing under Florida’s affordable housing statute — a law that predates the state’s more recent Live Local Act. This earlier legislation allows counties to approve higher-density developments if at least 10% of the units are designated as affordable.

In this case, all 105 units would be affordable housing.

“This project is proposed to be 100% affordable, with 81% of the overall units under 80% of area median income and 65% under 60% of [area] median income,” said Cormac Giblin, Collier County’s Housing Policy and Economic Development Director.

With Collier County’s area median income (AMI) at $113,600, that means qualifying residents could see rents as low as $467 per month for certain units. The affordability requirement would be locked in place for 30 years, ensuring long-term accessibility for working families, seniors, and low-income residents.

County officials say the project represents a much-needed step toward addressing Collier’s severe housing shortage.

“Having a 100% high-quality affordable housing project at this location and with these proposed AMI levels would certainly help mitigate our ongoing affordable housing crisis in Collier County,” said Kristin Davies, Assistant County Manager for Growth Management.

Still, the proposal has raised eyebrows among nearby Naples residents and businesses, who worry about potential impacts on traffic, infrastructure, and property values along Golden Gate Parkway — already a heavily traveled corridor.

While the county maintains that the site’s central location provides easy access to jobs, transit, and amenities, some Naples residents argue that such developments belong farther inland or in less congested areas.

Public discussions on the Gallery at Naples project are expected to continue as the developer seeks state-level financing approval. If granted, construction could begin as early as late 2026.

For now, the debate over balancing growth and affordability in one of Florida’s most expensive counties continues.