The Lehigh Acres Community Planning Panel LACPP needs to fill a vacant seat.

A diverse group of 13 Lehigh Acres residents, the LACPP ensures community involvement in the process of planning new development projects. It makes non-binding decisions whether to recommend or to reject a project when testifying before the county commissioners or hearing examiners, according to LACPP President Edd Weiner.

The LACPP examines the physical features of a proposal to ensure they meet or exceed community standards, Weiner said. It reviews site plans, parking, building elevations, turning radii, fire and police access, water control, and other technical features of the project. A LACPP subcommittee, the East County Architectural Review Board ensures projects enhance the look and increase the diversity of land uses in the community.

“Lehigh doesn’t need any more fast food restaurants, nor does it need tattoo parlors,” Weiner said, “We need family restaurants, sit down restaurants, and restaurants with table cloths.”

The only application requirements are to reside in Lehigh Acres and to submit a resume. Resumes for the volunteer position can be mailed to Edd Weiner, President Lehigh Acres Community Planning Panel at 25 Homestead Road, Suite 41 Lehigh Acres, FL 33936-6600.

Alternatively, interested applicants can bring their resume to the LACPP’s next meeting on Wednesday January 11, 2012 at 6:30 p.m. The meeting will be held at the Lee County Sheriff’s Office Substation located at 1301 Homestead Road in Lehigh Acres, in the community room.