Herron Pond II officials and members of the Lehigh Acres Chamber of Commerce gathered Thursday for the official opening of the second phase of the senior citizen community comples. Photo by Mel Toadvine

Carlisle Development Group, the largest affordable developer in Florida, Thursday, held a grand opening of its Heron Pond II Apartments complex, a senior affordable community located at 8421 Heron Pond Drive, Lehigh Acres, just off Williams Rd.

Ribbon cutting ceremonies were held and a barbecue was held for those attending. Damon Shelor, president of the Lehigh Community Council, welcomed the developers and said it was good for Lehigh to have such a good addition. He noted that it created jobs and was good for Lehigh.

Marylou Land, honoray Mayor of Lehigh, read a proclamation designating today as Heron Pond Apartments Day in Lehigh. Afterwards, several gathered for a gala ribbon cutting ceremony put on by the Lehigh Acres Chamber of Commerce. Following the program, tours were given to the large group that turned out for the affair.

The $14 million development consists of 60 one-bedroom units and 40 two-bedroom units. The monthly rent is $449 for a one-bedroom and $499 for a two-bedroom apartment.

“The extensive amenities on property provide tremendous value to our senior residents, who quickly develop a sense of belonging and appreciate the social interaction,” said Patricia Garcia, manager of Heron Pond II Apartments. “From health fairs, to free medical testing, to seminars on financial counseling and the environment, Heron Pond II helps seniors live independently and keeps them self sufficient and well informed.”

Onsite amenities include two community clubhouses, complimentary bus service, a pool, fitness center, movie and book library, computer lab, resident bingo, Spanish classes, and a barber shop.

There are a variety of other amenities designed specifically for the needs of the resident community including health fairs, free blood pressure testing, free diabetes testing, computer classes and animal seminars from the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission. Other resident services include life safety training and assistance with light housekeeping, grocery shopping and/or laundry.

Developed with the needs of seniors in mind, Heron Pond II apartments are equipped with roll-in shower stalls, grab bars, handicap accessible electrical outlets and scald control valves on all bathtub and shower faucets. In addition to the standard appliances, each unit includes window treatments, air conditioning, ceiling fans and laundry hook-ups.

“Heron Pond II is the ideal affordable community in Lehigh Acres for empty nesters and seniors with an active lifestyle,” said Matthew S. Greer, CEO Carlisle Development Group. “Carlisle strives to create communities that serve residents with compassion, and that are a beacon of pride for the residents, staff and the local community.” He was unable to be at the ceremonies today.

Founded in 1997, Carlisle Development Group is a fully integrated real estate company which has developed, leased and managed affordable housing developments throughout Florida totaling over 7,000 residential units. For more information, visit www.carlisledevelopmentgroup.com.